Agency

Today in church, I led our gospel principles class as the Holy Ghost taught and testified of the following truths from the holy scriptures:

• Moses 7:32

  The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency;

• 2 Nephi 2:27

  Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives us agency to choose right from wrong and learn for ourselves. We are here upon the earth to be tested. As we are tested, we are faced with much opposition in all things. In the book of Nephi we learn that opposition is necessary to the plan of salvation.

• 2 Nephi 2:11

  For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

Each of us on earth have this gift of agency. We are the only ones who can halt our progression by allowing bad influences/choices to creep into our lives. We have been given the gift of agency to exercise faith unto repentance and to seek the Savior, Jesus Christ's path and teachings.

May you have a great week and choose the right when the choice is placed before you!

C. Poulsen ~

Apostles ~ Christ's church is founded upon this quorum.

Christ ordaining His original Apostles

During Christ's time on the earth, He established his church and called 12 Apostles to stand as special witnesses of Him and to be the foundation of His church. It is no different today in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church has been restored to the earth in its fullness and these 12 brothers have been called and given the proper keys and authority of the priesthood to administer the affairs of Christ's church.

Quorum of the 12 Apostles 2011

Yesterday I witnessed two baptisms. Following the baptisms the two newest members of Christ's church were confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by worthy Melchezidek Priesthood holders. The priesthood has been restored to the earth to allow the people of all nations to receive these essential, saving ordinances.

Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith the Prophet.

Restoration of the Melchezidek Priesthood to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I am so grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the "Mormon" church. It has blessed me abundantly with a greater understanding of the love my Heavenly Father has for each of us, His children. I know more about his eternal plan of salvation and happiness. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost that whispers this to my heart and teaches me by these feelings:

• Galatians 5:22

  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, ^btemperance: against such there is no law.

Whenever we experience these types of feelings we can know with certainty that the Holy Ghost is teaching us truth from our Father in Heaven.

• John 14:26

  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Have a blessed Sabbath Day today. If you're unfamiliar with what I have shared today, I invite you to pray to God about it and ask Him if it's true? For God is the source of all truth.