Miriam D led a spiritual discussion using President Uchtdorf's recent conference talk "Come Join with Us".
I am reminded of a time in the Savior’s life when many abandoned Him. Jesus asked His twelve disciples:
“Will ye also go away?
“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
Once there was a man who dreamed that he was in a great hall where all the religions of the world were gathered. He realized that each religion had much that seemed desirable and worthy.
He met a nice couple who represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and asked, “What do you require of your members?”
“We do not require anything,” they replied. “But the Lord asks that we consecrate all.”
The couple went on to explain about Church callings, home and visiting teaching, full-time missions, weekly family home evenings, temple work, welfare and humanitarian service, and assignments to teach.
“Do you pay your people for all the work they do?” the man asked.
“Oh, no,” the couple explained. “They offer their time freely.”
“Also,” the couple continued, “every six months our Church members spend a weekend attending or watching 10 hours of general conference.”
“Ten hours of people giving talks?” the man wondered.
“What about your weekly church services? How long are they?”
“Three hours, every Sunday!”
“Oh, my,” the man said. “Do members of your church actually do what you have said?”
“That and more. We haven’t even mentioned family history, youth camps, devotionals, scripture study, leadership training, youth activities, early-morning seminary, maintaining Church buildings, and of course there is the Lord’s law of health, the monthly fast to help the poor, and tithing.”
The man said, “Now I’m confused. Why would anyone want to join such a church?”
The couple smiled and said, “We thought you would never ask.” (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
Miriam asked: Why would anyone join such a church?
What is it that attracted you (in the beginning) to the church?
The following people shared their testimonies:
The sister missionaries shared that the concept of families being forever attracts investigators.
Monique A discussed how the plan of salvation gave her peace.
Karen B shared how the spirit testified to her.
Nettie W, Beth D and Kim H also shared their testimonies.
First, this Church was restored in our day by Jesus Christ Himself. Here you will find the authority to act in His name—to baptize for the remission of sins, to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to seal on earth and in heaven.
Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and they wish to follow Him. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again. When they receive sacred priesthood ordinances and make covenants with God, they can feel His power in their lives. When they enter the holy temple, they sense they are in His presence. When they read the holy scriptures and live the teachings of His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much. (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By Dieter F. Uchtdorf)D&C 84: 18-22
18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.
19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84)
In this Church that honors personal agency so strongly, that was restored by a young man who asked questions and sought answers, we respect those who honestly search for truth. It may break our hearts when their journey takes them away from the Church we love and the truth we have found, but we honor their right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience, just as we claim that privilege for ourselves. (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes.
In the title page of the Book of Mormon we read, “And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.” (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By Dieter F. Uchtdorf)
Miriam ended the discussion with the 11th Article of Faith
11 We claim the a privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the b dictates of our own c conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them d worship how, where, or what they may.
THANKS MIRIAM FOR THE WONDERFUL DISCUSSION
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