Elevate Project _KELLAR
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School
Brigham Young University, Idaho *
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Course
250C
Subject
Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MajorElectronShark34
Matthew Kellar
REL225
Elevate Learning Essay April 2, 2023
Christ’s True Church
Joseph Smith asked one simple question. He wanted to know what church to join and because of this he ended up opening the last dispensation. Joseph Smith’s first vision provides me with additional proof that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ exist. Why? Because I have no doubts about anything he did, was, or said because of all the religious and historic accounts captured and what the Holy Ghost testifies to me as true. Joseph Smith was called of God. “For he saw him, even on the right hand of God. He heard the voice bearing record that Jesus is his only begotten son.” “His eyes were as the flame of fire, the hair of his head was white like the pure snow, and his countenance shown above the brightness of the sin. His voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters.” (The Living Christ – Quotes). One thing I have found comfort in is that If you find truth in any one thing of the gospel, you must continue to seek truth in all things. I know that Joseph Smith translated an ancient record with a third grade reading level. You cannot just make this kind of stuff up. When I try to think logically about this, what man is crazy enough to give up his life converting people to a cause he made up – of which he receives no profit, no employment, and no personal gain? It would make no sense whatsoever. He would not have put his family through the trials they experienced. He would not have died with his brother in Carthage jail under false circumstances. I believe that he was a Prophet of God, and the Spirit testifies of his truth and of what he accomplished for all of mankind in these latter days.
One of our Institute classes this semester we got the privilege of being introduced to “Profile of a Prophet” where Hugh B. Brown proves the existence of modern-day Prophets. In October 1995, Robert
E Wells said: “The Book of Mormon is not on trial. We are the ones on trial, being tested by our acceptance or rejection of its truths, teachings, commandments, and declarations.” God has laid out what we need. He has given us plenty of reason to believe in his teachings, but he will not come down himself and tell us because he wants us to act in faith. It is so important for us to seek truth for ourselves, just like Joseph did in the sacred grove. “If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). Seek and ye shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you.
A few years ago, my stake gave me and my wife the opportunity to serve as a Ma and Pa in trek. This experience was one I will always cherish and never forget. It gave me the opportunity and perspective of what the early saints went through in their journeys west. On this 5 day trek I really pictured myself following Joseph Smith from Ohio to Nauvoo and how hard but spiritual that journey must have been. And then pushing the handcart further west to Salt Lake. How grateful I am to know of their hardships and enduring ways. Perseverance is a divine virtue and one we are all tasked with in our mortal lives. I was a convert to the Church and joined when I was 18 years old. I had always been somewhat religious
and was previously baptized by a Southern Baptist preacher, Brother Ralph Eddins. I was re-baptized by my future father in-law, Robert Stevenson. I had to do this because I needed to be baptized by someone
with the proper authority and keys to do so. More than anything, and of all the miracles Joseph performed, restoring the Priesthood on the earth was of the greatest importance. It allows for us to prepare a way for the 2
nd
coming of Jesus Christ and to serve others, helping all to receive the glory of exaltation. At the time I was re-baptized it was a tougher concept for me to understand, but as I have aged and come into more and more experiences while on my journey this concept has gotten easier to understand. It is why there can only be one true Church of Jesus Christ and I so thankful to be a part of it in these the Latter days.
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