By Alan on Aug 16 in Blog tagged Alan Osmond, Bill Belew, chuck norris, Cricket Butler, Doctrine and Covenants, Elvis, Elvis Presley, Gold Plates, Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Lisa Marie, Olive Osmond, Osmond Family, Osmonds, Pearl of Great Price, Priscilla, The Book of Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, true | 3 Comments

- Elvis Presley -

Remembering the Friend, the Brother, the Legend

On this the 35^th anniversary of Elvis Aaron Presley’s death, my heart and thoughts are turned to that day when we heard of his passing.

My family and I knew Elvis pretty well when we were young and worked at the same Hilton Hotel and on the same stage that he did.  We even stayed in the same hotel suite that Elvis stayed.

My brothers and I, The Osmond Brothers, and of course Marie, loved Elvis Presley and got to know him an several occasions.  When we would return to the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas to perform, Elvis would often have delivered backstage to us a beautiful bouquet of flowers designed in the shape of a guitar with a personal note welcoming us back.  When we performed there, the stage manager would sometimes give us a “code” that said, “The Boss is Upstairs”, which meant, “Elvis was watching the show from the light booth!”

 I remember the first time Elvis came to see us.  Yes, he always watched the show from the light booth of the theater because he would have been mobbed otherwise.  This night we heard that he was watching our show.  Boy, were we most anxious to do a good job as we honored Elvis showmanship, talent and his professionalism.  Our costume designer, Bill Belew, was also the same designer that made all of Elvis’s jump suits.  We also learned karate from Chuck Norris and knew that Elvis liked it also.  So here we were, The Osmonds, all dressed up in white jumpsuits similar to what Elvis wore, all six of us, and we hit the stage performing but glancing up to the light booth wondering if Elvis would liked it or not! Well, the show went well and believe it or not, Elvis came backstage to say hello and one of the first things he said was, “Hey, I love the jump suits!  Boy, that made us feel good!  We spent several minutes talking with Elvis backstage after the show with his body guards and my parents who were both there as well. Elvis was particularly interested in talking to our parents and he especially loved meeting my mother, Olive and gave her a big hug.  Elvis mentioned to her how much he missed his mother who had passed away.

Over the next few years, we had the privilege of seeing Elvis at the Hilton a few more times and I remember one particular evening before the show when Elvis called us backstage in our dressing room and I spent 20 minutes on the phone with him.  The operator called and said Elvis would like to talk to the Osmond Family.  As the oldest of the group, the phone was handed to me and I enjoyed our conversation together.  He said how much he enjoyed watching us and especially how we took the time to meet all of our fans.  He watched as our Father would escort the fans to the backstage door and allow them to come back single filed past our dressing room so we could sign all of their autograph requests.  The line up was so long that the hotel management had to cut them off so they could prepare the showroom for another show.  Elvis noticed how we met every fan and mentioned it to me and then said, “If I could do it all over again, I would do it just like you guys are doing and I would meet every fan and sign every autograph requested!   We all know how popular Elvis was and how hard it was to control his outgoing fans.  We talked a little more and he asked if he could talk to my mother, Olive.  When she got on the phone with me, he just opened up and expressed the love he had for his mother and said, “Oh how I love and miss my mother.”  He talked to my mother about how it is raising 8 boys and a girl and we had a great discussion.  He also told us, “I always wanted to be a preacher.”  He said how much he love the Lord and singing about Him with songs like “How Great Thou Art” and other songs.  We left the conversation with an invitation from Elvis for our entire family to come to his home in Los Angeles for a private barbeque.  The date would have been a week from today, 35 years ago!  Of course we never got to have that barbeque, but we believe that we knew why he wanted to meet privately with our family.

You see, Elvis had been reading and studying scriptures seeking a closer relationship with His Lord, Jesus.  A fan named Cricket Butler had often been waiting to see him outside his hotel and at an early hour in the morning out by the gate, she remained with hopes of meeting and talking with Elvis.  One night Elvis went outside and walked up to the gate and talked with her.  Cricket at a later date shared with me the conversation that Elvis had with her and what they were talking about.  It was about life and what it’s all about.  Cricket offered to give Elvis a copy of The Book of Mormon and as a Mormon, some of her beliefs telling Elvis that he ought to read it. Elvis accepted it and read it.  He not only read it, he wrote his comments in it as he read.

I was given this book after Elvis died.  I was told that those at Graceland did not want to have a Book of Mormon sitting around among Elvis’s remaining possessions and so they gave it back to Cricket.  Cricket was also a follower of our family’s music and said that Elvis really liked our family and even talked to Cricket about us.  Cricket said to me that, “I know Elvis would have wanted you to have this book because of how much he respected your family.”  The book had many special comments in it that Elvis had written in the margins. The book is now safely In the archives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and anyone upon request can see this book which is only on private display.  If you do go and see it, you will see comments written in it by Elvis such as:

- “Yes! I know this is true!”

- By the side of a picture of the Gold Plates from which this book was translated Elvis wrote, “Gold Records… REAL ONES!”  (Yes, Elvis had many gold records but these were real gold records.)  

-The book records that “thou shalt have no other God’s before me.”  Elvis wrote, “Not me either!”  (Many fans called him King and worshiped him.)

(Not Elvis’s hands. Picture is from a movie made about Elvis.)

- Elvis wrote, “And He ans-(wered) me!” to the scripture: “And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did still raise my voice high that it reached the hearvens.”

-And a special note towards the end of the book he wrrote, “My daughter Lisa is 9.  She needs this church.  Please help her!”

I know that some may say that I am trying to use Elvis to get people to join our church.  To you I say, “You are wrong! Our church is already one of the fastest growing churches in the world.” I am sharing the truth about a friend with important insight on his spiritual side of his life. Elvis had a good heart!  This is what happened.  These words were not made up.  You can see the book that he wrote these things in and read them for yourself!  And yes, I would love to have everyone read this book.  It is true.  Much of it happened right here in America with many evidences coming forht as to the whereabouts!  The book also gives us warnings for our day that must be heeded in order to survive life’s purposes.

YES, I am pleased to have known that spiritual side of Elvis and how he wanted to know more about life and the Lord! He was contiasking for MORE FAITH!

I kept this book in my house for a few months after I received it but when others found out about it, they desired to handle it and to hold it.  I became worried that someone might take it from me so I told my wife Suzanne that I wanted to give it to her uncle, Elder Rex Pinegar, who is a general authority of our Church so he could secure it in the vaults of the Church in Salt Lake City, Utah where upon request, others may see it.

We later also learned from Cricket that Elvis had also read the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price which are two more doctrinal books of our church.  Elvis  also met with two different sets of missionaries and had the missionary discussions taught to him in Hawaii and in the states.

In follow up to Elvis’s request to help Lisa, I had only one copy of this book made with Elvis’s writings and with my brother Donny’s help and his contacts, had it delivered to Lisa Presley’s publicity agent at her office.  Donny knew her and felt she was a good way to get it to Lisa.  We have never heard a word from anyone since.

I have left notes on Lisa’s Facebook site, had other fans talk to her about the book and yet have heard nothing.

I know that Elvis is in the “Spirit World” where we all go to dwell until judgment day.  That is where my parents are also and I just know that they have probably gotten together with Elvis and renewed old acquaintances.

I invite everyone to read this book, to know that it does not take away from the Bible which we also believe, but it is another witness that fulfills prophecy in John 10: 16 of the Bible where it says: “And ^{other sheep} I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be ^one fold, and one shepherd.”  Jesus is the Shepherd and we are all His sheep.

These people who recorded these writings in the Book of Mormon left Jerusalem about 400 B.C. because the Lord said it was going to be destroyed.  They were taught how to built a boat and they traveled across the oceans to America.  This book also records the visitation of Jesus Christ and his appearance to these people in America after His Resurrection where Jesus said, in 3 Ne. 15: 17, 21 as recorded in The Book of Mormon,  “That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one ^shepherd.  And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: ^Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one ^shepherd.”

Elvis read this book and second witness of Jesus Christ.  He believed it.  He took the missionary discussions twice and wanted the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I invite you all to read what Elvis Presley read and to receive a FREE copy of The Book of Mormon.  Our Prophet Joseph Smith  did NOT write this book.  He merely with the help from God translated it from the gold plates that were found buried in Hill Cumorah in New York.  After they were translated, the Angel Moroni who showed him where they were, took the gold plates back to protect them from the evil designs of man.

I wish Elvis’s ex-wife Priscilla and daughter Lisa Marie Presley my very best.  I do want to share more conversations and things that were said with them personally.  If any of you know them and can extend my invitation to them both, but especially with Lisa Marie, to come and see Elvis’s Book of Mormon and let me share privately those precious memories that I had about her father, Elvis Presley.

He is an eternal Friend, a Brother in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, A Legend we will never forget!!!

www.elvis.com

Alan Osmond
For The Family 

By Alan on Jun 21 in Daily Inspiration tagged abominations, be saved, believe, bretheren, destroy, Doctrine and Covenants, dwindled, Fathers, Gold Plates, His name, His people, iniquity, Ismaelites, Joseph Smith, knowledge, Lamanites, Lemuelites, Nephites, of The Lord, preserved, records, repentance, rhe promises, testimony, The Book of Mormon, the gospel, the Lord, the promises, very purpose | Comments Off

What Was The Purpose Of The Gold Plates Found In New York?

 ”And this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations.”   D&C 3: 18

Learn More . . .
For The Family

By Alan on Nov 01 in Blog tagged Abraham's seed, Agen Moroni came to Joseph Smith, ark and the covenant, coming of the Redeemer, Doctrine and Covenants, exhaltation, gospel restored, Isaiah, Israel is gathered, Jesus Christ, Jesus dwelling among his people, meaning of covenatn, most quoted, restoration of Israel, son of Amoz, temple, The Book of Mormon, works of Abraham, Zion established | Comments Off

ISAIAH

The Lord is salvation.

Son of Amoz, a prophet in Jerusalem during 40 years, 740-701 B.C. He had great religious and political influence during the reign of Hezekiah, whose chief advisor he was. Tradition states that he was “sawn asunder” during the reign of Manasseh; for that reason he is often represented in art holding a saw.

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Isaiah is the most quoted of all the prophets, being more frequently quoted by Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John (in his Revelation) than any other Old Testament prophet.

Likewise the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants quote from Isaiah more than from any other prophet. The Lord told the Nephites that “great are the words of Isaiah,” and that all things Isaiah spoke of the house of Israel and of the gentiles would be fulfilled (3 Ne. 23: 1-3).

The writings of Isaiah deal with events of his day as well as events beyond his time, some of which have already come to pass and others are yet to be.

The bulk of Isaiah’s prophecies deal with the coming of the Redeemer,

He is "The Way".

both in his first appearance (“For unto us a child is born,” Isa. 9: 6) and as the Great King at the last day, as the God of Israel. A major theme is that God requires righteousness of his people, and until they obey him they will be smitten and scattered by their enemies. But in the end, Israel will be restored; the barren land will be made fruitful and able to support a large population; and the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, will dwell in the midst of his people, who will be called Zion.

Some notable references are the following: Ch. 1, which is a prologue to the rest of the book; Isa. 7: 14; Isa. 9: 6-7; Isa. 11: 1-5; Isa. 53: 1-12; and Isa. 61: 1-3, which foreshadow the mission of the Savior; chs. 2, 11, 12, and 35, which deal with events in the latter day, when the gospel is restored, Israel is gathered, and the thirsty land blossoms as the rose; ch. 29, an exposition of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon (cf. 2 Ne. 27); and chs. 40 – 46, which extol the superiority of Jehovah as the true God over the idol gods of the pagan worshippers.

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The remaining chs., 47 – 66, deal with events in the final restoration of Israel, the cleansing of the earth, and the establishment of Zion, with the Lord dwelling among his people.

A major difficulty in understanding the book of Isaiah is his extensive use of symbolism, as well as his prophetic foresight and literary style; these take many local themes (which begin in his own day) and extend them to a latter-day fulfillment or application. Consequently, some prophecies are probably fulfilled more than one time and/or have more than one application.

Some notable references to Isaiah in the N.T. are Luke 4: 16-21; John 1: 23; Acts 8: 26-35; 1 Cor. 2: 9; 1 Cor. 15: 54-56. When the angel Moroni came to Joseph Smith on September 21-22, 1823, he quoted Isa. 11 and said it was about to be fulfilled (JS-H 1: 40).

The reader today has no greater written commentary and guide to understanding Isaiah than the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.

As one understands these works better he will understand Isaiah better, and as one understands Isaiah better, he more fully comprehends the mission of the Savior, and the meaning of the covenant that was placed upon

Abraham and his seed by which all the families of the earth would be blessed.

“And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.”  D&C 132: 19

Just like Abraham of Old.

“Abraham received all things, whatsoever he received, by revelation and commandment, by my word, saith the Lord, and hath entered into his exaltation and sitteth upon his throne.

Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph—which were to continue so long as they were in the world; and as touching Abraham and his seed, out of the world they should continue; both in the world and out of the world should they continue as innumerable as the stars; or, if ye were to count the sand upon the seashore ye could not number them.

 

This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham; and by this law is the continuation of the works of my Father, wherein he glorifieth himself.

 

Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved.  But if ye enter not into my law ye cannot receive the promise of my Father, which he made unto Abraham.”  D&C 132: 29-33

Alan Osmond
For The Family

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:  Just as Abraham was married by the new and everlasting covenant and was sealed to his wife by the Spirit of Promise for all eternity with exaltation and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever,  those worthy couples that marry for time and all eternity in the House of the Lord or our Temples are also given these same covenants, promises, and blessings.  These truths and covenants are the same as Abrahams and have once again been restored to the earth.

By Alan on Apr 12 in Blog tagged All are welcome, believe, children of God, discern, Doctrine and Covenants, faith, gifts, heal, Holy Ghost, interpretation, Jesus, Joseph Smith, miracles, prophecy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Family, tongues, wisdom | 1 Comment

This revelation expresses the will of the Lord relative to governing and conducting meetings.  All are welcome in our Church Meetings.

This Revelation was given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 8, 1831.  In this early time of the Church, there had not yet developed a unified pattern for the conducting of Church services. However, a custom of admitting only the family members and earnest investigators to the sacrament meetings and other assemblies of the Church had become somewhat general. Doctrine and Covenants – Section 46

HEARKEN, O ye people of my church; for verily I say unto you that these things were spoken unto you for your profit and learning.

But notwithstanding those things which are written, it always has been given to the elders of my church from the beginning, and ever shall be, to conduct all meetings as they are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Nevertheless ye are commanded never to cast any one out from your public meetings, which are held before the world. (Click to find a Church)

Ye are also commanded not to cast any one who belongeth to the church out of your sacrament meetings; nevertheless, if any have trespassed, let him not partake until he makes reconciliation.

And again I say unto you, ye shall not cast any out of your sacrament meetings who are earnestly seeking the kingdom—I speak this concerning those who are not of the church.

And again I say unto you, concerning your confirmation meetings, that if there be any that are not of the church, that are earnestly seeking after the kingdom, ye shall not cast them out.

“But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.

Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;

For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.

To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.

To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.

And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.

To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;

And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

And again, to some is given the working of miracles;

And to others it is given to prophesy;

And to others the discerning of spirits.

And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;

And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.

And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.

And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God.

And it shall come to pass that he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit;

That unto some it may be given to have all those gifts, that there may be a head, in order that every member may be profited thereby.

He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.

And again, I say unto you, all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit;

And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.

And ye must practise virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen.

Comment:

We all come with gifts and talents.  The Lord encourages each of us to magnify those talents and to use them for good.

If we all would use our various talents to bless the lives of others without any env or jealousy, or to get gain, this world would be a better place.  We are encouraged to study, learn, and with faith, seek the best gifts, those spiritual gifts that will be your live and others, eternally.  This is how God became who He is.  As His children, this is how He teaches us:

“For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.” 2 Ne. 28: 30

If you want to know about the Mormons, ask a Mormon!

Alan Osmond For The Family

By Alan on Mar 19 in Blog tagged apostles, baptism, Celestial Kingdom, church, covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, Elijah the Prophet, eternal lives, exaltation, faith, free, hate, in this world, James, Jesus Christ, John, John the Baptist, Joseph Smith, know me, LDS, Mormon, Peter, repentance, restored, scriptures, shall ye know me, son of God, temple, The Book of Mormon, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The House of The Lord, the way | Comments Off

22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.

24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.

25 Broad is the gate, and wide the way that leadeth to the deaths; and many there are that go in thereat, because they receive me not, neither do they abide in my law.

I invite you to receive these truths with faith and repentance and to be baptized by those who have the authority and with the laying on of hands, receive the Holy Ghost.  You need to do it  in this world so that you will have those priesthood blessings and covenants necessary to enter into The House of The Lord or Temple and receive those everlasting ordinances and promises so that you may be with Him and with your spouse and family for all eternity.

Please go to http://mormon.org where there are options for things you can do now, in the world.

For a Free Book of Mormon CLICK HERE!

Alan Osmond
For The Family

By Alan on Mar 11 in Blog tagged America, articles of faith, Book of Mormon, commandment, Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith, LDS, lost record, Mormon, Nephi, Pearl of Great Price, precious parts, prophets, record, records, relidion, revelations, righteousness, scriptures, second coming, servants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, truth, Word of God | Comments Off

• What are some of the blessings that we enjoy today because the scriptures are so accessible?

When the Lord’s servants speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture (see D&C 68:4).

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).

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

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).

Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has expanded our understanding of some passages in the Bible. The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to restore truths to the Bible text that had been lost or changed since the original words were written.  (Click to read:  1 Ne. 13: 7-8, 26, 28-29, 32, 34-35, 40 )
These inspired corrections are called the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. In the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible, selected passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are found on pages 797–813 and in many footnotes.

The Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon is a sacred record of some of the people who lived on the American continents between about 2000 B.C. and A.D. 400. It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see D&C 20:9; 42:12; 135:3). 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” (introduction to the Book of Mormon).

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. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. 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 Christ. … But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. 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. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life,’ and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. … ‘Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4–7; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 5–7; quoting Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 90; or Ensign, May 1980, 67).

The Doctrine and Covenants

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” (D&C 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

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. 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.

• What are some stories from the scriptures that have inspired you? What are some teachings from these books of scripture that have helped you?

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, the Liahona or Ensign magazine, 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).

• Where can we find the words of our living prophets?

Studying the Scriptures

• What blessings can we receive when we study the scriptures?

We should each study the scriptures every day. We should share these truths with our children. We should read the standard works with our children so they will 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 (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37). 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).

• How can we keep the commitment to study the scriptures each day? Consider planning a time and a place to study the scriptures each day.

Additional Scriptures

• 1 Nephi 14:20–26 (prophets commanded to write)

• 1 Nephi 19:1–3, 6–7; Alma 37:1–8 (great worth of scriptures)

• 2 Nephi 33:10 (scriptures testify of Christ)

• Alma 29:8 (Lord speaks to all nations through scriptures)

• Alma 31:5; Helaman 3:29–30 (the word of God is powerful)

• Helaman 15:7–8 (scriptures lead us to be firm and steadfast in the faith)

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Nephi 19:21–24 (why and how scriptures are given)

• 2 Peter 1:20; Alma 13:20; D&C 10:62 (scriptures bring to light true points of doctrine)

• D&C 128:18; Articles of Faith 1:9; 1 Nephi 14:25–26 (scriptures yet to come)

• 2 Nephi 29:3–10 (scriptures to Jews and to Gentiles)

1 Ne. 13: 7-8, 26, 28-29, 32, 34-35, 40 Precious Parts that were lost and taken from the Bible.

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By Alan on Jan 16 in Blog, Videos tagged Bible, book, Book of Mormon, Christians, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Doctrine and Covenants, forever, free, God, God's, heaven, Holy Ghost, Jesus, LDS, live, lives, love, loves, message, Mormon, Never Cease, Pearl of Great Price, records, revelation, same, scripture, speaks, Today, word, words, yesterday | 4 Comments

When the Lord’s servants speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture (see D&C 68:4). 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).

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.

Jesus’s words never change.  From one book or the other, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

The Bible

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).

Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord has expanded our understanding of some passages in the Bible. The Lord inspired the Prophet Joseph to restore truths to the Bible text that had been lost or changed since the original words were written. These inspired corrections are called the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. In the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible, selected passages from the Joseph Smith Translation are found on pages 797–813 and in many footnotes.