Mormon Life - Bible tag

Famed atheist supports placing Bibles in public schools

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:39:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: He says he wants to do it because reading it is the best way to disprove it, but it's still an interesting development. Atheist Richard Dawkins says he supports the Department for Education's drive to make sure every public school in the nation has a copy of the King James Bible.

"A native speaker of English who has never read a word of the King James Bible is verging on the barbarian," said Dawkins in a column for The Guardian.

Jerusalem in Utah: Inside look at Jerusalem movie set from Church's Bible videos

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:53:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

Mormon Life says: LDS Media Talk took a tour (and some cool pictures) of the Church's Jerusalem reconstructed in Utah. I recently had the opportunity to visit the Jerusalem Movie Set, the newest addition to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ film production sets. The set is located about 70 miles south of Salt Lake City, literally in the middle of nowhere. It was built to be the new filming spot for The Life of Jesus Christ: Bible Videos, a gift from the First Presidency of the Church to the world.

The Church-owned farm was carefully chosen by Media Services Department producers and approved by the First Presidency to be the home of the remarkable movie set. Initially, the production team had considered filming locations as far as Morocco, but after extensive search, Goshen turned out to be the ideal spot for the production.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:49:00 -0600

source: lds.org

Mormon Life says: One last tribute to Mother's Day (even if it's a day late).

Teachings of George Albert Smith 10: The Scriptures, the Most Valuable Library in the World

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:04:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "God loves all His children. He wants all of them to return to Him. He desires everyone to be in tune with the sacred music of faith." - Quentin L. Cook

Excerpt from "In Tune with the Music of Faith" by Elder Quentin L. Cook, April 2012 General Conference:

Clearly, a dividing line between those who hear the music of faith and those who are tone-deaf or off-key is the active study of the scriptures. I was deeply touched years ago that a beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, emphasized the need to continually read and study the scriptures. He said: “I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”24

I hope we are reading the Book of Mormon with our children regularly. I have discussed this with my own children. They have shared with me two observations. First, persistence in reading the scriptures daily as a family is the key. My daughter in a lighthearted way describes their early-morning efforts with mostly teenage children to consistently read the scriptures. She and her husband wake up early in the morning and move through the blurry mist to grasp the iron railing that lines their staircase to where their family gathers to read the word of God. Persistence is the answer, and a sense of humor helps. It requires great effort from every family member every day, but it is worth the effort. Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence.

The second is how our youngest son and his wife are reading the scriptures with their young family. Two out of their four children are not old enough to read. For the five-year-old, they have five finger signals to which he responds in order for him to participate fully in the family scripture reading. The signal for finger 1 is for him to repeat, “And it came to pass” whenever it appears in the Book of Mormon. I have to admit that I love the fact that the phrase appears so often. Incidentally, for the interest of young families, finger signal 2 is “And thus we see”; fingers 3, 4, and 5 are chosen by the parents based on the words contained in the chapter they are reading.

We know that family scripture study and family home evenings are not always perfect. Regardless of the challenges you face, do not become discouraged.

To read the full talk, click here.

Casting LDS New Testament film project

Wed, 09 May 2012 10:13:00 -0600

source: ldsmediatalk.com

Mormon Life says: What an opportunity! If you live close to Utah, you may be interested in the following message from the Church’s media department:

Currently casting background actors for additional New Testament stories to be filmed during July & August of 2012.

A week on an archaeological dig in Israel is a messy but interesting Biblical lesson

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:33:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

4 a.m. My eyes feel heavy. Today is my second day of digging.

I'm in Israel for a week-long archaeological dig — not your regular vacation, but one that brought fulfillment and surprisingly more rest than I've gotten sitting on the beach.

Richard Stamps, a professor of anthropology, and Mike Pytlik, a special lecturer of archaeology and Jewish studies at Michigan's Oakland University, each year lead a group of students on a three-week archaeological dig and tour of Israel. Pytlik invited me to go along as a volunteer for a week.

Comparing the use of 'Christian' and 'saint' in scriptures

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:22:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

If a man were fraudulently attempting to establish in the 19th century a counterfeit of the original Church of Jesus Christ, his claimed revelatory writings would likely contain the descriptive term “Christian” with some degree of regularity. During the 19th century, “Christian” was the common term used to refer to a follower of Jesus Christ, as well as a member of any of the many churches that worshipped him.

In our present-day society, the term “Christian” remains as the universally accepted word that refers to a follower of Christ or any of the religions that are founded upon his teachings. But such common use of the word “Christian” has not always been the case.

FHE: Scripture Study

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high." -Richard G. Scott

Conference Talk:

For more information on this topic read “The Power of Scripture,” by Richard G. Scott,

Ensign, Nov 2011, 6

Thought:

Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.

(Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign, Nov 2011, 6.)

Song:

“Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s Songbook, p. 109.

Scripture:

And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.

(2 Nephi 4:15)

Lesson:

Preparation: Write the following scriptural references on slips of paper:

1. Jacob 3:2 (word 21)

2. Matthew 24:35 (word 9)

3. Psalm 46:8 (word 2)

4. Doctrine and Covenants 5:6 (word 13) 5. Doctrine and Covenants 8:2 (word 5) 6. 1 Nephi 7:12 (word 18)

7. Isaiah 34:16 (word 2)

8. Abraham 3:25 (word 12)

On a large sheet of paper write the following scripture:

___1____ upon the ___2____ of Christ; for ___3____, the ___4____ of Christ will

___5____ you all ___6____ what ___7____ should ___8____.

Procedure: Divide the slips of paper among the class. One at a time have them look up their scriptures, read it to the group, and find the puzzle word. Fill in the words until the entire phrase has been finished.

Have your family members find 2 Nephi 32:3 in their scriptures. Read the scripture with your class and discuss what it means.

(Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, Building Blocks for Better Lessons, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1998], p. 58.)

Story:

One evening two young missionaries met Sasha on the street of a city where he still resides. They asked whether he believed in God. He continues:

"I was confused. I knew from my experience that when someone comes to you in the darkness and asks for ten kopecks, your answer does not matter much, because there is going to be a fight within a minute or two. Earlier, I had considered religious believers to be mentally sick people, and yet these young men seemed like quite normal people.

"I agreed to make an appointment with the missionaries. Oh, I tortured them so much! I asked them many silly, cynical questions, and I even supposed that they were agents of the CIA.

"Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately!), I had lost my job then and had time to read the Book of Mormon and the Bible all day long. The experience of reading these two books of scripture hour after hour, day after day, completely transformed my life. I found the truth. As I met with these wonderful young men, my cynicism gradually but fully dissolved. In our meetings and through my personal reading of the scriptures day after day, I became a new person, with a new outlook on the world.

"As I read the Book of Mormon, I realized that there are not inherently good and bad people in the world. All of them have a choice, either to follow the power of good or the power of evil. Life on this earth may be unjust, but there is a future existence—even a new world—where justice and mercy will reign, and where we will be judged with mercy and righteousness by our Savior.

"Instead of contempt for people, I have come to see that we need to help them overcome their weaknesses and temptations. The gospel helped me to understand the reason for the actions of people. Now I am sorry for the rich man who spends his life concerned only for his wealth. I am sorry for my neighbor who killed a cat that had scratched his new car by accident. I began to care for wicked people, flatterers, and impudent fellows—not condoning their actions, but feeling concern for their welfare. They are all unhappy people, alienated from God, and I need to help them find him.

"Since my baptism and the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost, I have committed to our Heavenly Father that I will always try to help lift others throughout the rest of my life. As Alma explained [see Mosiah 18:8-10], when I accepted baptism I promised to be a comfort and a strength to others. And I will."

Sasha is a dedicated servant of the Lord who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood. He is a man who shows great love to others. He now manages a new private company in his city.

(Howard L. Biddulph, Morning Breaks: Stories of Conversion and Faith in the Former Soviet Union, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1996].)

Activity:

All titles to the books of the Bible can be found among these letters. Those books which are prefixed with Roman numerals appear only once and so there are fifty-seven titles to be found. Draw a circle around each title as you find it. the titles are written forward, backward, up, down, or diagonally in any direction. Work together as a family or give each person their own copy.

(Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1968], p.37.)

Refreshment

Fruit Pizza Dessert

4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1⁄2 cup butter or margarine

1 1⁄4 cups flour

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 recipe Cream Cheese Topping

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced

3 fresh peaches, sliced, or 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained

Cream Cheese Topping

12 ounces cream cheese

1⁄3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup non-dairy frozen whipped topping

In a large bowl combine cream cheese and butter or margarine. Mix until well blended. Add flour and salt. Mix well. Form into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to form a 12-inch circle. Place in a 12-inch greased tart or pizza pan. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork. Bake at 425° F. for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.

Meanwhile, prepare the Cream Cheese Topping by combining cream cheese, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix until well blended. Fold in whipped topping.

Spoon over crust. Arrange fruits in circles atop the filling, working toward the center of the tart— arrange strawberries around outer edge of pan, then kiwi fruit slices, fresh peach slices or mandarin oranges, and more strawberries in the center. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

(Julie Badger Jensen, The Essential Mormon Cookbook, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2004], p. 18.)

To access the PDF version of this lesson, click here.

Parable of the Two Sons — judging others

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:48:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

In the Parable of the Two Sons, the Savior praises sinners who repent, then warns those who claim righteousness but refuse the work and worth of souls.

Jesus Christ taught: "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go to work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

"And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, the first. Jesus sayeth unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Sharing the gospel: 'He is Risen' Bible video

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:24:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Mormon Life says: Members of the Church have been invited to be involved with the campaign. A three-day advertising campaign by the Church over the Easter weekend will take place on YouTube and Facebook. The purpose of the ad campaign is to help people understand the LDS faith and beliefs. Members of the Church are encouraged to share a new Bible video based on the final days, Atonement, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He Is Risen

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:25:00 -0600

source: lds.org

Mormon Life says: The final video of the Church's Bible Videos collection.

LDS Church to blitz YouTube, Facebook with messages of Jesus Christ on Easter weekend

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:52:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: I love that the Church is doing this. Wouldn't it be awesome if all members shared the videos this weekend on their own social media? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is planning to blitz the world of social media this weekend with a new media campaign aimed at helping "those not of our faith understand that we believe in and follow Jesus Christ."

In an email sent from the LDS Church Missionary Department to those who have created profiles on the church's Mormon.org website, officials said the campaign will take place Friday through Sunday on YouTube and Facebook, and will feature "members of the church sharing their beliefs about the Savior."

The campaign will consist of paid advertising on YouTube during the weekend, which they expect to be viewed "a minimum of 15 million times."

Jesus Tried by Caiaphas, Peter Denies Knowing Christ

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:59:00 -0600

source: lds.org

Jesus Warns Peter and Offers the Intercessory Prayer

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:52:00 -0600

source: lds.org

New Bible Video: The Last Supper

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:20:00 -0600

source: lds.org

It's unjust to say LDS Church is anti-Semitic

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:26:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

One of the charges leveled in the recent controversy over vicarious baptisms for the dead is that Mormonism is anti-Semitic.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Latter-day Saints are, for example, the only religious group of which I'm aware whose canonical scripture expressly denounces anti-Jewish bigotry.

Professor's discovery resurrects debate over 'Jesus tomb'

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:36:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: I don't agree with his thoughts about Christ's body, but his discovery is interesting. Five years removed from his controversial "Jesus Tomb" documentary, UNC Charlotte archaeologist James Tabor announced Tuesday that he has helped uncover perhaps the earliest Christian image ever found.

The discovery, in Jerusalem, took place in 2010, Tabor told The Charlotte Observer.

10 Commandment displays may be allowed in Georgia government buildings

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:40:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: Good news. A copy of the Ten Commandments could be posted in all Georgia government buildings and schools under a bill passed unanimously Tuesday by House lawmakers.

Rep. Tommy Benton, R-Jefferson, is seeking to expand a 2006 law that already permits the Commandments to be displayed in judicial buildings and courthouses when accompanied by other historical documents deemed to have influenced the U.S. legal system. Georgia lawmakers passed that original law one year after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005 struck down Commandment displays in two Kentucky courthouses, ruling they appeared to be a government endorsement of Christianity.

The Lord's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:18:00 -0700

source: radio.lds.org

Mormon Life says: A new Bible Video!

Biblical gardens come back to life in Israel

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:57:00 -0700

source: ksl.com

Mormon Life says: One more place to add to my bucket list. Scientists have reconstructed what the biblical Kingdom of Judah would have looked like 2,500 years ago.

The reconstruction shows a royal garden in Judah to have been an exotic paradise and is based on analyses of pollen grains found preserved at the gardens at Ramat Rahel, an ancient archaeological site located high above Israel, overlooking the modern cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.