Gospel in Action from the LDS Church- Page 1

The World

(2 Nephi 2:14; D&C 45:58; D&C 88:17-20; D&C 104:11-18; Moses 1:33)
We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. (Abraham 3:24-25)

Jesus Christ, under the direction of God the Father, created this world (2 Nephi 2:14; Moses 1:33). The earth was prepared as a place where we could receive a body, learn more about the ways of God, and prove our faithfulness.

Because this world was created for our benefit, we enjoy many things on it, but we also have a responsibility to care for the earth and the people who live here with us. The Lord has taught us that "the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare." Our earthly blessings are great, but we all have stewardships that we will be held accountable for. One of the most important things we are asked to do is use the abundance of the earth to provide for the poor and needy. (D&C 104:11-18)

The earth is a marvelous creation, and the Lord has promised that "after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father" (D&C 88:19). Those who inherit the celestial kingdom will live on this earth in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ "forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created" (D&C 88:20; D&C 45:58; D&C 88:17-18).

Summary

Jesus Christ, under the direction of our Heavenly Father, created this world on which we live. This earth was prepared as a place where we could receive our bodies, be taught the gospel, and learn to be obedient. It is the plan of our Father in Heaven that we enjoy the beauty and bounty of the earth and take good care of it. Eventually the earth will be the place where those who have inherited the celestial kingdom will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Baptism

(Matthew 3:13-17; 2 Nephi 31:5-12; Mosiah 18:8-11; 3 Nephi 11:23-26; D&C 68:27; Moses 6:64-65)
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Articles of Faith 1:4)

Baptism is the introductory ordinance of the gospel. Being baptized by immersion by one having authority from Jesus Christ is necessary to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ (3 Nephi 11:23-26). Adam was the first to be baptized (Moses 6:64-65). Jesus was also baptized to fulfill all righteousness and to show us the way (Matthew 3:13-17; 2 Nephi 31:5-12). When we reach the age of eight years, we are considered accountable for our own actions and can choose to accept the ordinance of baptism (D&C 68:27).

With baptism we begin a new way of life. One of the great blessings of baptism is that it provides us with a fresh start as we strive for our eternal goal of returning to live with our Father in Heaven. If we have truly repented, baptism cleanses us from sin. We can then renew this cleansing by remembering and recommitting ourselves to our baptismal covenants. We do this each week when we partake of the sacrament.

Baptism is a witness to the world that we are willing to follow the Savior. When we are baptized, we make certain covenants with the Lord. We promise to serve Him and keep His commandments. The Lord promises that He will give us the Holy Ghost and that we can return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. (Mosiah 18:8-11)

Summary

Baptism by immersion (going completely under the water) by one having authority from Jesus Christ is necessary to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus was baptized and set an example for all of us. To be baptized we must be at least eight years of age so we will be old enough to know right from wrong. When we are baptized we covenant, or promise, that we will follow Jesus and keep His commandments. Each week when we take the sacrament, we remember our promises to Jesus and what He did for us.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

(Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Nephi 32:5; D&C 130:22)
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Articles of Faith 1:4)

Everyone who has repented of his or her sins, has been baptized as a member of the Church, and continues to live worthily can have the constant influence of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). After people are baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those who have the authority to administer this ordinance.

The Holy Ghost, sometimes referred to as the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter, is a personage of Spirit and not of flesh and bones (D&C 130:22). It is through the Holy Ghost that people gain a testimony of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3). Once we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, "it will show unto [us] all things what [we] should do" (2 Nephi 32:5). Some hear the Holy Ghost as a still, small voice; others experience a strong sense of peace. As we listen to the Holy Ghost, we can tell right from wrong and be strengthened in our resolve to live righteously. Through the Holy Ghost we may be warned of danger or receive protection. The Holy Ghost can send comfort and love in times of need and will help us understand sacred things.

Summary

After we are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. The Holy Ghost will be our constant companion as long as we live righteously. We can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost in different ways. Sometimes we will hear a still, small voice; have a feeling of peace; or have a warm feeling in our heart. The Holy Ghost can help us understand sacred things and will testify of the truth. As we listen to the Holy Ghost, we can tell right from wrong and feel comforted and loved.

Blessing the Sacrament

Joseph Smith Translation, (Matthew 26:24; Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2; D&C 20:75-79)
Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name. (3 Nephi 18:5)

The sacrament is a holy priesthood ordinance that reminds us of the Savior's Atonement. During the sacrament, we partake of bread and water. We do this to remember the flesh and blood Christ offered as a sacrifice for us. As we partake of the sacrament, we renew sacred covenants with Heavenly Father.

The scriptures explain exactly how the sacrament is to be administered. Members of the Church meet each Sabbath day to worship and partake of the sacrament (D&C 20:75). The sacrament is administered by those who hold the proper priesthood authority. A priest or elder breaks bread into pieces, kneels, and blesses it (D&C 20:76). A deacon or other priesthood holder passes the sacrament bread to the congregation. Then the priest or elder blesses the water, and it is also passed to the members.

The Lord has revealed the exact words for both sacrament prayers (Moroni 4:3; Moroni 5:2; D&C 20:77, D&C 20:79). Very few of the prayers we offer have the exact wording given to us, but the covenants we make during the sacrament are important, so it is necessary that we renew them the same way each week. As we partake of the sacrament and keep our covenants, we can be forgiven of our sins (see Joseph Smith Translation, (Matthew 26:24). We should listen carefully to these prayers and partake of the sacrament with purity of heart.

Summary

The sacrament is blessed by those having priesthood authority. A priest or elder breaks the bread into pieces and then blesses it. The sacrament is then passed to the congregation by a deacon or other priesthood holder. Then the water is blessed and passed. Jesus revealed the exact words to be used for both sacrament prayers. We should listen carefully to the prayers and think of Jesus Christ as we partake of the sacrament.

Passing the Sacrament

Joseph Smith Translation, (Matthew 26:2224; 3 Nephi 18:1-11; Moroni 4; Moroni 5; D&C 20:75-79; D&C 27:2-3)
And they did meet together oft to partake of the bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. (Moroni 6:6)

Shortly before His Crucifixion, Jesus Christ and His Apostles had gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. Jesus knew this was the last time He would meet with these beloved men before His death. He wanted them to always remember Him so they would be strong and faithful.

To help them remember, Christ introduced the sacrament. He broke the bread into pieces, blessed it, and said, "Take, eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you" (Joseph Smith Translation, (Matthew 26:22). Next He took a cup of wine, blessed it, and gave it to His Apostles to drink, saying: "Drink ye all of it. For this is in remembrance of my blood of the new testament, which is shed for as many as shall believe on my name, for the remission of their sins" (Joseph Smith Translation, (Matthew 26:2324; Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:20-25; Luke 22:15-20).

After His Resurrection, Jesus came to the Americas and taught the Nephites the same ordinance (3 Nephi 18:1-11). After the Church was restored in the latter days, Jesus once again commanded His people to partake of the sacrament in remembrance of Him, saying, "It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus" (D&C 20:75). Jesus gave His disciples wine when He introduced the sacrament. However, in latter-day revelation He said it does not matter what we eat and drink during the sacrament as long as we remember Him (D&C 27:2-3). Today Latter-day Saints drink water instead of wine.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the opportunity to partake of the sacrament each week. Each time we take the sacrament, we renew the covenants we made when we were baptized. A covenant is a sacred promise between the Lord and His children. The promises we make are clearly stated in the sacramental prayers. We take upon ourselves the name of Christ and covenant to always remember Him. We also promise to keep His commandments.

As we honor our covenants, the Lord promises special blessings: first, we will always have His Spirit to be with us, and second, we will have eternal life (D&C 20:75-79; Moroni 4; Moroni 5). As we partake of the sacrament worthily, we are spiritually strengthened.

Summary

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we can partake of the sacrament each week. During the sacrament we partake of bread and water. We do this to remember the flesh and blood Jesus Christ offered as a sacrifice for us. Each time we take the sacrament, we renew the covenants, or promises, we made with the Lord when we were baptized. We promise to always remember the Savior, to take His name upon us, and to keep His commandments. The Lord promises that we will always have His Spirit to be with us and that we can live again with Him.