The Doctrine and Covenants teaches me how to live the gospel

February 2008, Talk #4

The Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the writings of the prophets who lived long ago. The Doctrine and Covenants is different from these books because it contains modern revelation.

To contain Modern Revelation means that Heavenly Father has given instructions to the prophets for the people who are living on the earth today.

About 175 years ago the living prophet was Joseph Smith Jr. He wrote down the revelations that he received from the lord and we can read them today in the Doctrine and Covenants.

The Doctrine and Covenants was not written by Joseph Smith. It contains Heavenly Father's words to the members of his Church. Jesus Christ told Joseph Smith what to write.

This special book helps each of us live the gospel by teaching us how Heavenly father wants his church organized and what each member of the church needs to do to help with Heavenly Father's work.

Some of the very important teachings which can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants include the law of health known as the Word of Wisdom. This teaches us that Heavenly Father wants us to be healthy and not let anything into our bodies that could harm us or make us sick.

We also learn about the origination of the Church and the the responsibilities of the priesthood.

We are very fortunate to have the Doctrine and Covenants to help us live the gospel. Heavenly father loves us and continues to give us revelation through our prophets. I know that by following the voice of the lord through his prophets we can choose the right.

Book of Mormon stories teach me how to live the gospel

February 2008, Talk #3

When President Ezra Taft Benson was the living Prophet and President of the Church, he wrote a letter to all of the children of the church. In this letter he said:

"How pleased I am to hear of your love for the Book of Mormon. I love it too, and Heavenly Father wants you to continue to learn from the Book of Mormon every day. It’s Heavenly Father’s special gift to you. By following its teachings, you will learn to do the will of our Father in Heaven."

In this special message to primary children everywhere, President Benson told us that the stories found in the Book of Mormon will help us live the gospel.

In the book of Mosiah we can read the story of Abinadi and Alma. Abinadi was a prophet who tried to teach a wicked king named King Noah about the gospel. He told the wicked king that he needed to repent. The king did not like this so he had Abinadi burned to death. Before Abinadi died, he was able to preach the gospel to the king and his wicked priests.



One of King Noah's wicked priests was a man named Alma. He believed Abinadi's words about the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew that he needed to repent of his sins and obey the commandments.

Alma did repent of his sins and he became a great missionary. He went to the Waters of Mormon and preached the gospel. He taught people about Jesus Christ and about the importance of baptism. The Lord gave Alma the authority to baptize the people who believed in the gospel. Alma taught and baptized many people.

Even though this is just one of the many stories that can be found in the Book of Mormon it teaches us many ways that we can live the gospel. Like Abinadi, we should always stand up for what we believe in. Like Alma we should know that we can repent, obey the commandments and be good missionaries. This story also teaches us that to live the gospel of Jesus Christ we must be baptized.

I am thankful for the Book of Mormon. I know that what President Benson said about following its teachings is true.

Bible Stories Teach Me How to Live the Gospel

February 2008, Talk #2

From the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the teachings of the Apostles of Christ's church, the stories found in the Holy Bible help me learn how to live the gospel.

The Bible helps me understand Heavenly Father's plan and what I must to to live with him again.

One story that helps me live the gospel is from the book of Exodus.

God chose a man named Moses to be the prophet to lead the children of Israel out of captivity in Egypt. Moses parted the Red Sea to help his people escape from the armies that were chasing them. Later, Moses asked God to help his people who did not have any food. God listened to Moses and gave them manna to eat.

After Moses and his people had been in the wilderness for two months, Moses went up on a mountain and spoke to the Lord. He told Moses to gather all of the people together and the lord taught them rules that they should follow. These rules are known as "The Ten Commandments".

Even though the Ten Commandments were given to people thousands of years ago, they are still very important today. By living these commandments each of us can be on the path to eternal life.

Some of the ways that I am trying to live the gospel and obey the commandments are by: Loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy; Honoring my parents; Using clean language; and Treating others with love and respect.

I am grateful for the stories of the Bible. I know that by studying the Bible we can learn how to live the gospel and follow Heavenly Father's plan.

The Bible and the Book of Mormon Testify of Jesus Christ

February 2008, Talk #1

The 8th article of faith states: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."

The Bible and the Book of Mormon are both witnesses of Jesus Christ. They teach that He is the Son of God, that He is our example and that he lived a perfect life. They testify that He is the Savior of the world, that he died for us and because of his sacrifice we can live with Heavenly Father again.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we are blessed to have other scriptures that help us better understand the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. These scriptures including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price all testify of Christ.

Our Heavenly Father has promised us great blessing for reading, studying and obeying the scriptures. When we read about Jesus in the scriptures the Holy Ghost will help us know that what we are reading is true.

I am thankful for the scriptures. I know that they testify of Jesus Christ and that by studying the stories found in the Bible and Book of Mormon my testimony of Jesus Christ will grow.