Okay. I know a lot of people wonder about the Book of Mormon. Who wrote it? What is it? When was it written? Why do we need it? And how do we know if it is true? My purpose right now is to answer these questions.
Who: Common misconception. Many would tell you Joseph Smith. This is false. The Book of Mormon was written by prophets, men called of God and given the authority to act his name. This authority is called the Priesthood. With this authority, they can receive guidance and revelation for the world. Just like Prophets in Jerusalem and other middle eastern area wrote the books that make up the Bible, The Book of Mormon was written by Prophets in the Americas. Joseph Smith only translated the Book of Mormon.
What: Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is an ancient record of Scriptures that testify of Jesus Christ. A verse in it states "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26). This verse sums up what the Book of Mormon is all about. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. Simple as that. It talks all about Him and about what He did for us. It also talks about how after His ressurection, Christ visited "the other sheep which were not of this fold." This refers to His children in the Americas.
When: It was written between 600 B.C.-421 AD.
Why: We have a Bible, why do we need the Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon supports and completes the Bible. The Bible has been translated so many times and each translation says things a little differently and words are changed, it does mean something different. What the Book of Mormon does is explain the Plain and Simple truths of the Bible in further detail and clarity. It truly does help us understand our Savior better than anything else.
How: Okay, you know all of this. But how can you know know for yourself if what I'm saying is true? You must read and pray for yourself. Not just halfheartedly pray. Pray with "real intent" (Moroni 10:3). What does this mean? Pray and know that you will act upon whatever answer you receive.
This video is a man who came to know for himself explaining how he came to know. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I wouldn't be here in Arizona if it wasn't. If you want to know for yourself, please feel free to ask me or go here http://mormon.org/missionaries to request a visit. This isn't something I or anyone else can convince you have, you have to experience this yourself. But I know how much this knowledge can bless and improve the quality of anyone's life, no matter how good or bad, because it helps us come unto Christ even further and deepen our faith in Him.
I love you all!
Love,
Sister Mackenzie Esmond
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