Friday, September 30, 2011

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Today's Friday Fact is a little different, as it's not about me.


Fact: Tomorrow morning, afternoon and evening and Sunday morning and afternoon a prophet of God will speak to the world.

Yes. I believe this.
And I kind of wanted to tell you all about it.

People like to ask what the difference between Mormons and "other Christians" is, as if there is one defining thing.
And if there were one defining thing, it would be this: we don't believe that God put prophets on the earth to testify of Christ in Bible times, but not modern times.
We believe that God has a prophet on the earth today. Just like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, John the Baptist.
And that man's name is Thomas S. Monson.
The reason that Mormons may do or say other things that are different from other Christians (like believing the Book of Mormon is a scriptural companion to the Bible, for example) is all because of the prophets and the things they teach us.

Our church is organized the same way the Christ's ministry was organized when he was on earth.  There is a prophet, and underneath him -helping to teach and organize the church- are twelve apostles.
Just as Matthais replaced Judas as the twelfth apostle, there are always 12 apostles of the church. Above them is the Prophet and his two counselors, and above them - always- is the head of our church, Christ himself.

Every six months, these fifteen men and other leaders in the church, (yes, including some women) gather together and hold a "General Conference" where they teach and preach of Christ for the enlightenment of the entire world.
This conference is translated into about hundred languages and includes talks by men and women from all over the world.
They're probably not teaching things that are unexpected or especially revolutionary.
In fact, the last conference included talks by these titles:
"The Sabbath and the Sacrament"
"Guided by the Holy Spirit"
"Establishing a Christ Centered Home"
"The Holy Temple - a Beacon to the World"
and "The Miracle of the Atonement"

Each and every one of those talks could apply to Christian men and women everywhere, whether or not they are Latter-Day Saints.  And many talks apply to men and women, even if they are not Christian or even religious (such as "Finding Joy through Loving Service," or "Face the Future with Faith.")

So I would like to encourage every single person reading this blog to listen to Conference tomorrow and/or Sunday.  I know that you're busy and I know you probably have plans for the weekend BUT, if you're finishing up some sewing or baking a pie or hanging out in your underwear eating potato chips you can turn on your computer and go to {LDS.ORG} and just have it on in the background, so you can listen.
God works in mysterious ways, and maybe you'll hear something you needed to hear.

If you can spare two hours, to sit down and watch conference, then I would suggest making an effort to listen to the Sunday morning  session, as it is always my favorite, because that is when the prophet and at least one of his two counselors speaks. (Although they speak multiple times).

The times for General Conference are as follows:
Saturday: 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm
Sunday: 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm
(Mountain Time)

So here's what I think you should do:  I think that you should say a prayer, asking (even if you don't believe) that the spirit of God will touch you and help you hear something that you needed.
Or maybe you have a question about something happening in your life that you've been praying for an answer to?
The prophet is going to speak God's words to the world this weekend! And I bet that God has something specific for you, so you just may find your answer in the talks.

And I think you should pray as a family, with your husband or children, if you're married, that God will help strengthen your family and help you to hear something that your home needs.

And I think you should go to LDS.org and listen to a prophet's voice.
And you can have a sit, and listen.

Happy Conference Weekend (I'm SO excited!)

.

2 comments:

Bella Claybourne said...

Becky,

Thank you so much for posting this. I was born and raised Catholic, granted when I went into the military I broke away from my religion and started attending a southern baptist church and really found myself in Christ. My husband is Catholic and even though we were married in the Catholic church, I still don't consider myself Catholic. I don't even consider myself Southern Baptist, just Christian. I have to say I very much agree with the fact "People like to ask what the difference between Mormons and "other Christians" is, as if there is one defining thing." I think this can be applied to any Christian group being compared to any other Christian group. I just personally want to thank you for sharing your faith. I personally love learning about others' beliefs. And unfortunately the only thing I know about the LDS faith is what is portrayed on t.v. (which is not normally in a good light.) I'm not sure if I will have time to sit down and listen to the whole thing considering my little man is sick but I will turn it on. So thank you for enlightening me. If I could request you keep posting about your faith I would like to learn more.

~ Bella

Brittany said...

Like.