How This Church Historian Knows the Book of Mormon is God's Word
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- While there is compelling evidence for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, this church historian’s testimony reaches far beyond that.
Dr. Steven C. Harper explains how he came to recognize the power of this second witness of Jesus Christ.
I don't agree with Mormons but I appreciate your testimony. I consider you a brother in Christ.
I don't even know your beliefs, but your words speak loudly. I consider you a brother in Christ as well.
At 19 years old, I finished the Book of Mormon for the first time start to finish over the summer right before I left on my mission. I clearly remember praying and receiving an answer that has never left me, and I have held to that answer even during a time I went through recently of a disbelief in a god at all. JS was a willing and an obedient servant for God, and what he did for the world through that faith and obedience is untouchable even almost 200 years later. My testimony in Christ comes from many different sources, the Book of Mormon being the chief source after the Bible and others.
I did the same thing at 20 years old but after taking psychology classes in college and then further investigating the church I realized that it was built on 100% emotion and zero facts. The church is drastically different from when I was young and I couldn’t keep pretending that the one and only true church would have to change with the times. Good news is I am so much more happy than I was before and I feel like I am actually progressing in my life rather than just talking about it. Christ is King!
@@Rjrupert555 I’ve found it’s the same; reliant on revelation to address each point of guidance that fits that generation. I’m glad you found what gets your emotions flowing, it sounds like you’ve never looked back at all ever not one time whatsoever . Except you’re here, so maybe you do look back sometimes. We do agree, that Christ is Real and atoned for us all. Glad you didn’t lose that.
@@dcarts5616 I was scrolling through UA-cam shorts and passed by and thought I would share. Also I think the reason I am so much happier in my life now is because I allow myself to use facts and logic in order to progress in life. I am still a Christian so there is still some faith but for the most part I try to leave emotion aside and make logic and provable facts my guiding principles.
@@Rjrupert555 A lot of our Christian brothers and sisters think we place our witness on feelings or intuition alone. While feelings can play an important part in conversion (Luke 24:32), we should never forget the other portion of Moroni's promise when gaining a witness. We need to read, receive, ponder, and remember how Merciful God has been to man. From the time of Adam until the present. That requires a lot of faith and study to know all events and dealings which God has had with His children throughout all time. While testimony begins with simple faith, I have never been counselled in the church to avoid facts and logic when searching for truth. In fact, I've worked very hard to apply these things daily to how I study the Bible, the Book of Mormon, other scriptures, Church and religious history, etc. For me all facts and logic point towards the LDS faith. God has given us many epistemological tools to discover truth. We should use all of them.
@@Rjrupert555 You're a phony. It's obvious.
I remember when I first read the Book of Mormon with real intent. I was in my early twenties & had been a member all my life, my parents joining when I was five. I had moved out of my parent's house & was looking for something to read on a lazy summer day. I grabbed my scriptures & rode my bike to the park. I had read parts of the BOM before but never prayed about it. I thought it was probably true, like the Bible. When I opened the book and read the first verse of 1Nephi:"I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents; therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father....." the most pleasant feeling of peace and calm came into my heart and a voice in my mind said "this is true." It was one of those experiences that one never can forget and I have loved the Book of Mormon ever since. I hope & pray that I never lose this testimony because it is most precious to me. It makes me sad when I hear of people who once had a strong testimony of it's truthfulness, but now say it was all built on deception or emotion. That emotion is a precious gift from your Father in Heaven called the Holy Ghost witnessing to you in your heart and mind that it is true! How else is He supposed to reach us? My own sons have gone down this path after serving honorable two year missions. After going to University they attribute their once powerful & sweet testimonies to psychological brainwashing. For this reason I am counseling my grandchildren to stay away from going to any University, even BYU. There is NOTHING more important in this life than to gain & keep a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.❤❤❤
The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from ancient records kept by those who traveled, by a type of boat, from
Ancient Israel to the Americas. It’s so simple.
@@DianeNims-gg7lf I really can’t tell if you are being sarcastic or not but I really hope so. 😂
No they didn't.
🙏❤️🌟
Ok so how do we distinguish, if that thought was from holy ghost or god, or it was from the opposing party?
Study 1 Corinthians 2:14
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned".
You must become more familiar with how the Holy Ghost communicates to you. If you ask God with real sincerity and intent regarding any issue or genuine question, He will communicate and tailor messages to you in your mind and heart that will be unmistakable to you. But you will never know these things unless you approach God in the appropriate, genuine manner without any deceit and duplicity. Much love
In the Book of Mormon, it specifically explains how the Holy Ghost will communicate to you.
Study Alma 32:26-43. These verses explain how you know a specific communication is from God and not the opposing side.
1. Live according to the light and truth you've been given.
2. Study it out in your mind.
3. Ask in faith and with real intent.
4. Listen. Be patient.
Over time, the message becomes more and more clear.
Stop it 😂it’s not even close of being true
It is absolutely true, as I and millions more will testify. You stop it.
❤❤❤
WHO SAID Joseph Smith wrote "The Book of Mormon" alone?? And why were the supposed Authors/Writers so much more skilled ???
@@krismurphy7711 You should look up what Mark Twain said about the book after being given one by Brigham Young in SLC.
@@Rjrupert555 chloroform in print
@@krismurphy7711 He also said the only thing miraculous about it is if you could actually stay awake while reading it.
@@Rjrupert555 the book is about the lives of normal people which are seldom written to be interesting or engaging. I for one have had many accidental naps while reading through the Old Testament from start to finish. You know what is really chloroform in print? Reading people's genealogy in scripture 😂. You'll find that in both books.
@@krismurphy7711 who let you out this time?
Amazing. History controlled by feelings. From the Holy Ghost. Historical facts can now be justified and explained away leaving behind the correct view. I just wonder about the trail left behind of false witnesses, modified documents, changes in church history, claims of teachings by Joseph which he never taught (D&C 130:22) and stories formed into now accepted facts that match a predetermined historical narrative. Can we still call that professionally researched and presented lhistory?
@@ericbyers235 are you referring to the early Church and it's wildly altered history through the eyes of 46,000 denominations? Or the LDS church?
Read up on professional researcher and historian Don Bradley, then check back here. I'm looking forward to hearing about specifics over broad, emotional accusations.
@@brucenorth5337 Sorry Bruce. I won't do your research for you. It's an interesting phenomena - you can have people show you, but you won't believe it. Be assured it is there if you are actually seeking truth. But I will tell you this. Either dig in and be ready to accept ALL truth, not just what is convenient. OR, don't - just don't even watch these videos or read articles. Seriously, just don't. If you are happy where you are in life, then leave it all alone. There is zero reason to look outside the church.
💯💯 so true, what a Terrible way to live, so sad! Folks waste so much time attempting to tear down our faith which brings peace, progression, and productivity to our lives. Just grateful us Latter-day Saints don't behave the same way @@ericbyers235
imagine you've centered your entire life around a teenagers prank.
You fulfill prophecy with your comment!
@@brucenorth5337 Watch out for the blood atonement my friend
@@poolhall9632 You did it again! You're pretty good at this.
Imagine you've centered your entire life around lying against and fighting against the truth.