Gospel Topics

There are four ways that the Lord speaks to us today; (1) through the Holy Ghost, (2) through prayer, (3) through Prophets, and (4) through scriptures

1. The Holy Ghost

After Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they began to till the earth and work at other tasks for their living. They had many children, and their sons and daughters also married and had children. Thus, spirit children of our Heavenly Father began leaving his presence to come to the earth as they had been promised. As they came to earth, the memory of their heavenly home was taken from them. But our Father did not shut them away from his influence. He sent the Holy Ghost to comfort and help and guide all of his spirit children.

Why did the Holy Ghost come to Adam?

Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer. He spoke to them and gave them commandments, which they obeyed. An angel of the Lord came and taught Adam and Eve the plan of salvation. The Lord sent the Holy Ghost to testify of the Father and of the Son and to teach Adam and Eve the gospel of redemption (see Moses 5:9).

Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Adam �began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God� (Moses 5:10). Because of the witness of the Holy Ghost to Eve, she said, �Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient� (Moses 5:11).

Who Is the Holy Ghost?

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He is a spirit that has the form and likeness of a man. He can be in only one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at the same time. Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are called the Godhead. They are unified in purpose. Each has an important assignment in the plan of salvation. Our Heavenly Father is our Father and ruler. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth. The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father�s messenger and is a special gift to us.

Why is the Holy Ghost necessary?

The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of the truth of all things. The Holy Ghost will witness to us that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer.

He will reveal to us that our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. He will help us understand that we can become exalted like our Heavenly Father.

Prophets of the Lord have promised, �By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things� (Moroni 10:5). Without the Holy Ghost, we could not know that Jesus is the Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, �No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost� -(1 Corinthians 12:3). The Savior himself said, �And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent� -(John 17:3). It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we are led to understand and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The convincing power of the Holy Ghost is so great that there can be no doubt that what he reveals to us is true. A Latter-Day prophet, Joseph Fielding Smith said: �When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase.�

2. Praying to God

Jesus taught, �Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name.� Prayer is one of the greatest blessings we have while we are here on earth. Through prayer we can communicate with our Heavenly Father and seek his guidance daily.

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is a sincere, heartfelt talk with our Heavenly Father. We should pray to God and to no one else. We do not pray to any other being or to anything made by man or God (see Exodus 20:3�5).

Why Do We Pray?

Prayer has been an important part of the gospel from the beginning of the world. An angel of the Lord commanded Adam and Eve to repent and call upon God in the name of the Son (see Moses 5:8). This commandment has never been taken away. Nothing will help us draw closer to God than prayer. All of our thoughts, our words, and our actions are influenced by our prayers.

We should pray for strength to resist the temptations of Satan and his followers. We should pray to confess our sins to God and ask him to forgive us. We should pray for the Lord�s guidance and help in our daily lives. We need to pray for our families and friends, our neighbors, our crops and our animals, our daily work, and our other activities. We should pray for protection from our enemies.

We should pray to express love to our Heavenly Father and to feel closer to him. We should pray to our Father to thank him for our welfare and comfort and for all things he gives us each day (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). We need to pray to ask our Heavenly Father for strength to live the gospel. We should pray so we can keep on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. We must pray to God, the author of all righteousness, so we may be righteous in our thoughts, words, and actions.

When Should We Pray?

We can pray whenever we feel the need to communicate with our Heavenly Father, whether silently or vocally. Sometimes we need to be alone where we can pour out our souls to him.

In addition, we can pray during our daily activities. We can pray while we are in a Church meeting, in our house, walking down a path or street, working, preparing a meal, or wherever we may be and whatever we may be doing. We can pray any time of the day or night. We can pray when we are alone or when we are with other people. We can keep our Heavenly Father in our thoughts at all times.

At times we may not feel like praying. We may be angry or discouraged or upset. At these times we should make a special effort to pray. We should each pray privately at least every night and every morning. We should also pray with our family members so that they can be blessed. We also have the privilege of praying to give thanks and ask a blessing on the food before each meal. We open and close all of our Church meetings with prayer. We thank the Lord for his blessings and ask for his help so we may worship in a manner that pleases him.

How Should We Pray?

No matter where we are, whether we stand or kneel, whether we pray vocally or silently, whether we pray privately or in behalf of a group, we should always pray in faith, �with a sincere heart, with real intent.� As we pray to our Heavenly Father, we should tell him what we really feel in our hearts, confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, thank him, express our love for him. We should not repeat meaningless words and phrases.

We should always ask that his will be done, remembering that what we desire may not be best for us. At the end of our prayer, we close in the name of Jesus Christ.

How Are Prayers Answered?

Our sincere prayers are always answered. Sometimes the answer may be no, because what we have asked for would not be best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, and we have a warm, comfortable feeling about what we should do. Sometimes the answer is �wait a while.� Our prayers are always answered at a time and in a way that the Lord knows will help us the most.

Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers through other people. A good friend, a husband or wife, a parent or other family member, a Church leader, a missionary�any of these individuals may be inspired to perform acts that will answer our prayers. An example of this is the experience of a young mother whose baby was injured in an accident at home. She had no way to get the baby to a doctor. She was new in the neighborhood and did not know her neighbors. The young mother prayed for help. In a few minutes, a neighbor lady came to the door, saying, �I had a feeling I should come and see if you needed any help.� The neighbor helped the young mother get the baby to a doctor.

Often God gives us the power to help answer our own prayers. As we pray for help, we should do all we can to bring about the things we desire. As we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and pray always, we will have joy and happiness. �Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers."

3. Prophets of God

�Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets� (Amos 3:7). Many people live in darkness, unsure of God�s will. They believe that the heavens are closed and that people must face the world�s perils alone. We know that God communicates to the world through his latter-day prophets.

What Is a Prophet?

A prophet is a man called by God to be his representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking. A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.

A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets. However, when we speak of �the prophet of the Church,� we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood.

Through the Ages God Has Called Prophets to Lead Mankind

There have been prophets on the earth since the days of Adam. Experiences of these great men excite and inspire us. Moses, an Old Testament prophet, led thousands of his people out of Egypt and slavery into the promised land. He wrote the first five books of the Old Testament and recorded the Ten Commandments.

Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet, sailed from Jerusalem to the American continent about six hundred years before the birth of Christ. This great leader and colonizer gave us many important writings in the Book of Mormon. John the Baptist was chosen to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Joseph Smith, a latter-day prophet, the Lord restored the Church. Joseph Smith also translated the Book of Mormon while a young man.

We Have a Living Prophet on the Earth Today

We have a prophet living on the earth today. This prophet is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has the right to revelation for the entire Church. He holds the �keys of the kingdom,� meaning that he has the right to control the administration of the ordinances. No person except the chosen prophet and president can receive God�s will for the membership of the Church.

We should do those things the prophets tell us to do. President Wilford Woodruff said that a prophet will never be allowed to lead the Church astray: �I say to Israel, the Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as president of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the program. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so he will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. God bless you� (Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 212�13).

We Should Sustain the Lord�s Prophet

Many people find it easier to believe in the prophets of the past. But it is much greater to believe in and follow the living prophet. We should study his words. We can listen to his conference addresses or read them in Church publications. We should follow his inspired teachings completely. We should not choose to follow part of his inspired counsel and discard that which is unpleasant or difficult.

The Lord commanded us to follow the inspired teachings of his prophet: �Thou shalt give heed unto all his [the prophet�s] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; �For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith� (D&C 21:4�5). The Lord will never allow the Prophet to lead us astray.

Great Blessings Follow Obedience to the Prophet

If we obey, the Lord promises, �The gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you; and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and for the glory of His name.� (D&C 21:6). When we do as our prophet directs, blessings pour down from heaven.

A story from the life of Lorenzo Snow, the fifth president of the restored Church, shows how God rewards his people for their obedience. In those days the Church was suffering great financial trouble and had little money to pay its debts. Then more trouble came. A great drought afflicted many of the Saints. President Snow went to the Lord and prayed for relief. One day as the prophet was speaking in the St. George Tabernacle in Utah, the Holy Ghost inspired him to promise the Saints that they would receive rain if they would pay a full tithe.

He quoted Malachi: �Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . . and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it� (Malachi 3:10). The people obeyed their prophet, and the rains fell on the parched crops.

In order to stand, the true Church must be built upon the foundation of prophets (Ephesians 2:20). We are blessed in this insecure world to have a prophet through whom the Lord reveals his will.

4. Scriptures

When the Lord�s servants speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture. From the beginning, the Lord has commanded his prophets to keep a record of his revelations and his dealings with his children. He said: �I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written� (2 Nephi 29:11).

What Scriptures Do We Have Today?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts four books as scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These books are called the standard works of the Church. The inspired words of our living prophets are also accepted as scripture.

The Bible is a collection of sacred writings containing God�s revelations to man. These writings cover many centuries, from the time of Adam through the time when the Apostles of Jesus Christ lived. They were written by many prophets who lived at various times in the history of the world.

The Bible is divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Many prophecies in the Old Testament foretell the coming of a Savior and Redeemer. The New Testament tells of the life of that Savior and Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ. It also tells of the establishing of his Church in that day. �We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly� (Articles of Faith 1:8).

The Book of Mormon is a sacred record of some of the people who lived on the American continents between about 2,000 b.c. and a.d. 400. It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon tells of the visit Jesus Christ made to the people in the Americas soon after his resurrection.

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon into English through the gift and power of God. He said that it is �the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book� (History of the Church, 4:461).

President Ezra Taft Benson helped us understand how the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. He said: �There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion.

1. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ
2. It is the keystone of our doctrine
3. It is the keystone of testimony

�The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. �It broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. The Book of Mormon was written for our day. In it we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. �The Book of Mormon teaches us truth and bears testimony of Jesus Christ. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of it. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. -Ezra Taft Benson

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of modern revelations. In section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord reveals that the book is published to the inhabitants of the earth to prepare them for his coming: �Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear: �Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh� (1:11�12).

This book contains the revelations regarding the Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored in these last days. Several sections of the book explain the organization of the Church and define the offices of the priesthood and their functions. Other sections, such as sections 76 and 88, contain glorious truths that were lost to the world for hundreds of years. Still others, such as sections 29 and 93, shed light on teachings in the Bible. In addition, some sections, such as section 133, contain prophecies of events to come. God has commanded us to study his revelations in this book: �Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled� (D&C 1:37).

The Pearl of Great Price contains the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, and some inspired writings of Joseph Smith. The Book of Moses contains an account of some of the visions and writings of Moses, revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in June and December of 1830. It clarifies doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and gives added information concerning the creation of the earth.

The Book of Abraham was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith from a papyrus scroll taken from the Egyptian catacombs. This book contains valuable information about the creation, the gospel, the nature of God, and the priesthood.

The writings of Joseph Smith include part of Joseph Smith�s inspired translation of the Bible, selections from his History of the Church, and the Articles of Faith.

Words of Our Living Prophets

In addition to these four books of scripture, the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders. �We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God� (Articles of Faith 1:9).

Studying the Scriptures

We should each study the scriptures every day. We should share these truths with our children. Our standard works should be placed where our children will see them and learn to love them and use them for the truths they contain. If we desire to avoid the evils of this world, we must feed our minds with the truth and righteousness found in the scriptures. We will grow closer to God and to each other as we read and ponder the scriptures together.

As we read, ponder, and pray about the scriptures and ask God for understanding, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the truth of these things. We will each know for ourselves that these things are true. We will not be deceived. We can receive the same feelings Nephi expressed when he said, �My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard� (2 Nephi 4:16).