Back to Basics

Hey everyone! 

So, because of that experience with the man last week that, out of nowhere, told us he didn't believe in God, I've been thinking a lot more about helping people understand the basics--even those raised in a Christian home.

   The first thing we share with people is usually the principle that God is our loving Heavenly Father, we are His children, and that Jesus Christ, His Son, is at the center of Heavenly Father's plan for us. One of the scriptures we've been using lately to teach this is Psalms 147: 

3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

6 The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down tothe ground.

Here we learn about some of the fundamental characteristics of God: 1) He wants to heal us when we are suffering, and can do it. He's truly sad when we suffer, and wants to help us. He loves us. 2) He knows, by name, His creations. He is very much aware of each of us as individuals and everything that is going on at every moment. He knows everything that we have and are experiencing. 3) God can do things. Anything, actually. He is omnipotent. So why doesn't He always snatch us out of our hard situations, or stop all the pain and heartache that we experience? Why does He let our plans fail or let us fall short? Because His understanding is infinite, and sees things that we don't. 4) He expects things from us. He blesses us for doing and striving to be good, and punishes us for when we do wrong. He wants us to be obedient and gives us strength, guidance, and miracles when we do His will. 

   

Unfortunately my computer just told me I have 2 minutes left. My testimony is that God is our Loving Heavenly Father, and we are His children. Jesus Christ is the center of His perfect plan. 

I love you all! Thank you for everything! 

Elder Gaughan