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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Mormon Theology no. 39 - "Preach the Gospel to Every Creature"

I served my mission in southern California, and was often criticized when I would preach Jesus Christ to other Christians.  Other people would yell at me and my companions because they simply didn't want us around, or maybe they thought we were annoying.  So, why preach the Gospel?

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel. (History of the Church 2:478)"  He also stated, "  The Savior stated, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.  Amen. (Matt. 28:19-20)"  As the only true and living Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has that mandate from the Lord.  We have missionaries all over the world, but not yet in every nation.  Until that time, the Word will continue to go forth.  Joseph Smith said it best.  Said he, "The truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. (History of the Church 4:540)"

We don't ask people to throw away any truths that their lives or religions have in them.  According to President Joseph Smith, "We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more.  What if all the world should embrace this gospel?  They would then see eye to eye, and the blessings of God would be poured out upon the people, which is the desire of my whole soul. (History of the Church 5:259)"  He also gave the reason LDS Missionaries preach the Gospel.  He taught, "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. (History of the Church 4:227)"

I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only Church with proper Authority from God to teach His Gospel.  I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it will lead the humble reader closer to God, and eventually back into God's Presence.  As President Smith said, so pray I, "I ask God in the name of Jesus, to . . . cause that His word may speedily go forth to the nations of the earth, to the accomplishing of His great work in bringing about the restoration of the House of Israel. (History of the Church 1:451)"  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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