Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them | Faith To Act | Inspirational

Elder Russell M. Nelson shares a personal story to give encouragement for when we feel "weak in the heart." (3:24) Book of Mormon Videos The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ Get your FREE copy 👉http://bit.ly/MyBookofMormon 🙏 😇Come Unto Christ - Faith to Act - http://www.faithtoact.com #BookofMormon #FaithToAct #Christian #ComeUntoChrist #HeLives #PresidentNelson #MensHearts

President Nelson Releases Message of Hope During COVID-19 Outbreak

Prophet encourages members to care for themselves and minister to those 

in need

By: Official Newsroom

President Russell M. Nelson shares a message of hope and peace during the March 2020 COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. He encourages members to take care of themselves and to carefully minister to those in need. Subscribe to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the latest videos: http://bit.ly/1M0iPwY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchofjesu... Twitter: https://twitter.com/ch_jesuschrist?la... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChurchOfJes... Website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/i...

The Book of Mormon: How Baptist Can You Get!

The Book of Mormon

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

A BAPTIST PREACHER Shares his witness and testimony of 

The Book of Mormon

Dr. Lynn Ridenhour, Southern Baptist minister, guest speaker at Book of Mormon Conference hosted by Pastor Dale Warren, Fairfield Community of Christ, Fairfield, Illinois. Excerpt from Dr. Ridenhour’s sermon, “The Book of Mormon: How Baptist Can You Get!

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

I am so excited for this new video series that will walk us through the chapters of The Book of Mormon. 

The Lord Commands Lehi's Family to Leave Jerusalem | 1 Nephi 1–2 | Book of Mormon

I have read The Book of Mormon more than a dozen times and love the peace and clarity it brings me. It teaches my family and I to build our home and lives upon the Rock of our salvation, even the Lord, Jesus Christ.  It shares several examples of faith and enduring despite challenges.  It teaches us about the Atonement and Resurrection.  It teaches us about hope and charity.  It teaches us about humility and obedience...and so much more!  Come Unto Christ and Get a FREE COPY 

Names of Christ in 

The Book of Mormon

By Susan Ward Easton

Even statistically, he’s the dominant figure of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon was preserved to come forth in these latter days to convince “the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.” Its purpose is to verify the divine Sonship of the Nazarene to those who “ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.” (Moro. 10:4.)

The divinity of Christ is proclaimed by prophets in the Book of Mormon. They had a conviction of his divinity because the Holy Ghost had revealed it unto them.

Through the instrumentality of the Holy Ghost, these prophets also knew that their writings were to bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ. This they solemnly did, more than I had ever realized. In a word-by-word study, I have found some form of the Lord’s name mentioned an average of every 1.7 verses in the Book of Mormon. (See Table 1.)

I have found that the Savior is referred to by one hundred different names—from the first reference to him as “Lord” in 1 Nephi 1:1 [1 Ne. 1:1] to the final reference to him as “the Eternal Judge” in Moroni 10:34. [Moro. 10:34] (See Table 2.) Each of the one hundred names signifies a different attribute or characteristic of the Lord and was used appropriately to convey the prophets’ recognition of who he is and what his mission represents. For example, “Savior” means that Christ came to save his people from their sins. “Holy One” signifies that he is holy and without sin, being perfect in all things. “God of the Whole Earth” reflects his universal interest in all men and their redemption. “Lord of Hosts” indicates that Christ is a God of battles. And “Lord Omnipotent” means that Christ is the Lord of all, possessing all power. The names given to our Lord take on new significance when they are approached through a thoughtful and sensitive study of their meanings. His profound character, his singular mission, and his divine relationship to man are thereby more clearly revealed.

Further understanding of man’s relationship to Christ, the central figure of the Book of Mormon, occurs through a study of the periods of apostasy, contention, and war. Fewer references to Christ are made during these periods of darkness, probably because his influence is lessened due to the unrighteous actions of man. (See Alma 50–59, for example.) During periods of peace, joy, and prosperity, which come through man’s keeping the commandments, the names of Christ are used profusely, indicating the abundant presence of his Spirit. (See 4 Ne. 1, for example.) Thus, the righteous actions of the people brought the influence and blessings of Christ among them.

Being aware of the number of references to Christ, having an understanding of the meanings for each name, and knowing when his influence can be greatest upon the earth can inspire reverential awe for our Savior. The witness of his divinity, however, must come personally to each of us—we cannot rely exclusively on the testimonies of others. The conviction that Jesus is the Christ occurs only when God, the Eternal Father, manifests the truth of it “by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Moro. 10:4.) To the prayerful and the sincere, the Book of Mormon bears a powerful testimony that “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.”

~ C.J. Poulsen, Faith To Act

Rome Italy Temple Dedicated March 10, 2019

Rome Italy Temple Is Dedicated 

The cornerstone ceremony is held

The Rome Italy Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is now dedicated. 

On a cool and overcast Sunday, March day, Church President Russell M. Nelson conducted 

the symbolic cornerstone ceremony, which signifies the temple’s completion and readiness 

to be dedicated for sacred use. The ceremony is also symbolic of Christ as the chief 

cornerstone of the Church.

- The Church Newsroom

Spiritual Whirlwinds - Stand firm in your FAITH in Christ

We live in a time where evil, hatred, and violence are swirling about us.  The world is in commotion.  Satan knows his time is short and he is working in full force to split apart families and insert divisive wedges between relationships.  He wants us to be miserable like unto himself.  He wants to derail us from the pathway that leads to happiness, fulfillment, and joy.  

This battle is not new and from the beginning he has been waging war against faithful followers of Christ.  In the beginning he was trying to take away our agency.  Today he is trying to destroy our happiness and spiritual progression.  We live in a fallen state and must choose daily who we will serve and follow.  He wants us to oppose the plan of our maker and follow the ways of this world.  He is very good at what he does in blinding the hearts and minds of many...

BUT... we do NOT have to heed or follow his enticings.  We are taught that there is opposition in all things.  We know that wickedness never was happiness.  We can overcome evil by exercising faith in Jesus Christ and following His teachings.   As we act in faith and repent of our wrong doings we are empowered with the armor of God to withstand the storms of life.  

2 Nephi 10:23

23 Therefore, ^acheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are ^bfree to ^cact for yourselves—to ^dchoose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

Opposition = the action of opposing, resisting, or combating; antagonism or hostility. 

                                                                                                           - Dictionary.com 

2 Nephi 2:11 For it must needs be, that there is an ^aopposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn 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.

Jesus Christ invites each of us to Come Unto Him.  He stands at the door and knocks but we must open the door and let Him into our lives.  I bear witness that when we turn unto Christ, He turns to us with open arms of love.  He wants to help us and lift us.

Revelation 3:20

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and ^aopen the door, I will ^bcome in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

 

As we build our lives upon the foundation of Christ and His teachings we are able to bear the burdens that we face.  We are able to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary and find strength and peace through His spirit.  We are set free.

#LightoftheWorld

"I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life."

#LIFE

- C. J. Poulsen

Service brings happiness and joy

This weekend has been awesome as we gathered locally as Latter-day Saints to worship and learn of Christ's teachings together at Stake Conference for the Riverside California Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Twice a year, Latter-day Saints throughout the world meet for a regional Stake Conference in whatever region or demographic they reside.

This is Stake Conference...not "steak."  We do not meet for a steak on the barbecue as some have assumed. :)

Stake

One of the organizational and administrative units of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A stake is composed of a number of wards or branches. It generally has a set of geographical boundaries and conforms to the tent image described in Isaiah 54:2: “Lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” Each stake of Zion supports and helps to hold up the Church the way a tent or tabernacle is held up by its stakes. A stake is the gathering place for the remnants of scattered Israel (D&C 82:13–14; 101:17–21).

The main topic and theme throughout the conference was Service to others brings happiness and joy. Thank you to all who spoke and sang. We were reminded of the multitude of opportunities that exist wherever we live to plug in and serve on a regular basis within our communities.  JustServe.org is the place to find several opportunities to serve in your local area.  Check it out!  It's a great place to find areas of service.

We were also taught and reminded who our greatest example of service was throughout His life and ministry here upon the earth.  The Savior, Jesus Christ was always serving those around Him.  He taught us by example, and His message was one of peace and goodwill.  He lived a sinless and selfless life.  He is the perfect example we have to follow.

I love how serving others makes me feel.  I have had many opportunities throughout my life to serve others in various capacities.  Whenever I give of my time and talents I feel uplifted and blessed that I could help someone in need.  It just feels good...  It's rewarding when you know you've influenced someone or touched someone's life for good by serving them and not expecting anything in return.  One goal I have personally set for 2017 is to be a volunteer in helping index family file names on FamilySearch.org.   This is an activity I can do late at night once the kids are in bed and work is done for the day.  It has been a great blessing for me and brings me happiness and joy.


Simple acts of service bring peace and help us develop Christlike attributes.  Is that not our goal?  To become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ?  To be His disciples?  I think it is the common goal of Christians everywhere...

As I think of examples of service, my mind is turned primarily to mothers.  I think of my own mother, my mother-in-law, my grandmothers, and my dear wife who are in constant service mode.  These women are great examples of selfless service and love.  They are in constant service within the walls of their homes and we are blessed daily by their simple acts of service.  Thank you to all mothers everywhere who give of yourself!

~ C.J. Poulsen

Worldwide Indexing Record - Family History

 For the second year in a row,  I invested some time in this worldwide project of indexing family names.  It is such a joy and reward helping in this great cause.  Whenever  I index names, I feel a spirit of gratitude and peace come over me from these deceased persons.  I know they are truly grateful for the service that we are rendering in their behalf.  Indexing is a simple, selfless act of service that anyone can participate in...

Malachi 4:5-6

 5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Millions of the world’s historical records are now freely searchable online thanks to the 72-hour FamilySearch Worldwide Indexing Event—10,447,887 records to be exact.
On July 15–17, more than 116,000 people all over the world logged on to transcribe the historical documents, far exceeding the event goal to reach 72,000 volunteers.
“We were astonished at the number of people who participated,” said Jim Ericson, product manager at FamilySearch. “[These] people selflessly donated their time and skills to help their brothers and sisters around the world gain access to records that will allow them to identify their ancestors.”
Volunteers were from every age group and every continent. Participants from all over, including Australia, Italy, and Mexico, shared experiences and photos on the Facebook event page. Many publicized their participation on other social media platforms using the hashtags #theworldsrecords and #fuelthefind and invited others to join them in the event.
“Many who participated expressed joy at being able to make sure the people in the records they indexed will not be forgotten and may be discovered by their living descendants,” said Brother Ericson.
While the worldwide event lasted only three days, FamilySearch needs volunteers to index 365 days a year. For those who missed the event but would like to get involved, visit familysearch.org/indexing.  - Mormon Newsroom


- C.J. Poulsen

Mountains to Climb

Not a day goes by that I don't think of my sweet mother...Oh how I miss her!  I miss calling to see how her week is going.  I miss hearing her voice.  I miss seeing her at home when we go visit for holidays.  I miss her cheering me on.  I miss seeing her interact with her grandchildren.  I miss her hug, kiss, and "I love you" after each visit.

Today mark's twenty months since the passing of my dear mother.  On September 1, 2014 she left her mortal body and passed onto the other side of the veil to reunite with many who had gone before her. She has progressed beyond this mortal life into the next phase of her eternal existence.  Although life is fragile and our mortal journey can end suddenly, without much warning, at anytime, the gospel of Jesus Christ brings peace and assurance that we will reunite and live again with our loved ones.  "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." 1 Corinthians 15:22

We never know when we will take our last breath in this life; therefore we should make each day count.  This life is a time for us to prepare to meet God. (Alma 34:32-34) When a loved one passes, it brings new perspective, and we tend to take a step back and analyze our own life and standing with God.  We ponder the bigger picture of who we are and our eternal identity and destination.  I hope to return and live with my mother, loving Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.  I know this is possible through the exercise of our faith and obedience to the commandments we've been given.

With each new passing day, I feel my mother near and know that she is happy and cheering me on from above.  She is sad to be apart from us, her family, but she wants only the best for each one of us.  I know she loves me greatly and wants me to stay on the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.  I know she is busy sharing her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with all of its saving ordinances and promised blessings.  She is teaching and sharing with others the importance of family and temple covenants.  She is sharing her testimony of the Holy Bible and Book of Mormon.  She is testifying of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His loving sacrifice and atonement in our behalf.  I am so grateful for this knowledge I've obtained of Christ's gospel through the witness and power of the Holy Ghost.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is so beautiful and truly is "Good News" to all who will listen and accept its glorious message.  For my friends who are suffering and feeling lost or alone, I submit to you that you're never alone.  Perhaps you've recently lost a loved one as well and are grieving their passing.  I testify that they're alive and well and have only separated from their mortal body for a time.  Jesus Christ has broken the bands of death and through His glorious resurrection has promised that same gift to all who come to this earth and die.  We will rise again and live with our loved ones.

Families are central to the message of Christ's gospel.  Our main purpose of being here on earth is to be tested.  We are being tested to see if we will exercise faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and follow after Him and His teachings.  He wants us to follow Him into the waters of baptism and become members of His church where we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Once we have become a member of His church we can then continue progressing for more gifts and blessings in His holy temples.  I love the holy temples and the promises and blessings we can receive here if we are faithful.  We can be married and sealed to our eternal companion for time and eternity and have our children sealed to us!  This is great news!  For those who passed beyond the veil of death before hearing this glorious message we can also help them progress!  "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" 1 Corinthians 15:29

House of the Lord ~ Holiness to the Lord

 Salt Lake City Temple

 Washington D.C. Temple

Rexburg, Idaho Temple

 I know that families can be together forever through sacred, temple sealings.  One of the biggest blessings and benefits of the Restoration of Christ's Church and gospel is the blessings of family history and temple work.

• Ephesians 1:10

  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
   
• The Biblical prophet Malachi prophesied of the return of Elijah for the purpose of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers (see Malachi 4:5–6)

  This prophecy was actually fulfilled when the Prophet Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery (the man who helped Joseph translate the Book of Mormon) in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. Elijah restored specific powers of the priesthood by conferring them upon Joseph and Oliver. This power is what makes it possible for families to be sealed throughout generations. Through family history work, we can participate in the continuing fulfillment of this prophecy. We can learn about our ancestors, and those who died without the opportunity to hear the gospel and receive ordinances, and increase our love for them. We can be inspired by their stories of courage and faith. We can pass that legacy on to our children.

  

I am so thankful for my knowledge and understanding of God's eternal plan of happiness and salvation.  His teachings anchor my soul and give me light and direction in a darkened world.  I am grateful for the opportunity this technology allows me to share my testimony with you and others.  I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves you and I.  I pray that you may feel peace and comfort.  As always, thank you for stopping by.

~ C.J. Poulsen

Why are temples built in our day?

God's covenant people have always been commanded throughout history to build holy temples unto Him.  We have record of temples being built throughout the scriptures. Today, in our modern day it is no different, temples are being built across the globe at a more rapid pace than ever before.           Why is this?  Why are temples dotting planet earth?  What is their purpose and significance?

For many years, the Israelites could not build a temple because they were traveling through the wilderness. They carried with them a tent called the tabernacle, which served as a temple. After they had reached the promised land, King David wanted to build a permanent temple. God told him, “Thou shalt not build an house unto my name” (1 Chr. 22:8). People cannot build temples for the Lord without receiving His approval. The Lord revealed that David’s son Solomon had been chosen to build the temple, instead.

Solomon’s temple took eight years to complete. It was similar to the tabernacle, but it was twice as large. The walls were made of stone and were covered on the inside with carved wood and gold. Only the best materials were used to construct the temple. When it was finished, Solomon knelt at the altar in the court of the temple and offered a dedicatory prayer. (See 2 Chr. 3–6.)

OLD TESTAMENT TIMES: 

 Solomon's Temple

1 Kings: 

Chapter 6

Solomon builds the temple—The Lord promises to dwell among the Israelites if they are obedient—The ornaments of the temple are described.
Chapter 7

Solomon builds himself a house—Hiram of Tyre makes the two pillars, the molten sea, the ten bases, the ten lavers, and all the vessels for the temple—The molten sea (baptismal font) rests on the backs of twelve oxen.

Exodus:
Chapter 28

Aaron and his sons are to be consecrated and anointed to minister in the priest’s office—Aaron’s garments are to include a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat, a miter, and a girdle—The breastplate of judgment is to contain twelve precious stones with the names of the tribes of Israel thereon—The Urim and Thummim are to be carried in the breastplate.

36 ¶And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it, like the engravings of a signet, Holiness to the Lord.

Oakland, California Temple

Kings:

Chapter 7

25 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward.

 Manaus, Brazil Temple

• 1 Corinthians 15:29

  29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
  

Isaiah Saw our Day

Isaiah:

Chapter 2

 2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

 3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

A Prophecy Fulfilled...

Salt Lake City, Utah Temple

I was married in this temple in 2005 for time and all eternity to my eternal companion and sweetheart.  I love the blessings of the temple and the understanding it gives me of our Heavenly Father's glorious plan of salvation for each one of us.


Why the "Mormon Underwear?"

Another Old Testament Prophecy Fulfilled

Malachi 4

5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Elijah Has Returned and Restored the Sealing Keys of the Priesthood

Temple Quotations 

and

Temple Designs...

 

Revelation 7:15

15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

Gilbert, Arizona Temple

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah Temple

 

Las Vegas, Nevada Temple 

 

Latter-day Temple Building 

- Current Construction

IF you have made it this far I applaud you for taking the time to learn more about why temples are so important to us as Latter-day Saints.  Family History and genealogy are a very big part of our focus and work as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We believe the scripture is literally being fulfilled below:

• Ephesians 1:10

  10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
  
  I leave you my personal testimony and witness that temple work is essential to the salvation of all mankind.  Sacred ordinances are performed and covenants are entered into by followers of Jesus Christ.  True discipleship is learned. The holy temples are a sacred sanctuary from the storms of this life where we can feel the peace and beauty of heavenly things.  I love going to the temple and serving there.  It brings me so much happiness and joy each time I go.  I am uplifted and edified by the sweet spirit of the temple.  It is holy and sacred and the most beautiful place on earth.  The work of redeeming those who have past on before us is very spiritual and rewarding.   ~C.J. Poulsen