I believe.
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I heard a song recently by Jon Reddick that encapsulates my testimony as member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Let me share the lyrics of the first verse and chorus with you. I recommend you checking it out.
It's not just a story
It's a living breathing walking testimony
Of a God so good
He'd leave His home in glory
For the world He loved
For the world that he so loved
It's not just a storyI believe in the life of Jesus
I believe that He conquered death
I believe in the resurrection
I believe that He's coming back again
I believe that His spirits with us
I believe that He gives us power
I believe that He is the son of God
I don’t think I am alone in having wondered if I am somehow deficient because I cannot stand at the pulpit and boldly declare that “I know…without a shadow of doubt…” that Jesus is the Christ.
I am a believer. The lyrics above might well be what I say next time I bear my testimony. When I was a young missionary, one of my fellow missionaries somewhat rebuked me for not '“knowing” The Book of Mormon was true. He was wrong.
Whenever I hear people saying that they know, I am reminded of this verse in the Doctrine and Covenants,
To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
Belief is a spiritual gift! If you don’t think it’s a gift, just look around and observe how many people cannot seem to muster up even the desire to believe.
The basic tenets of our faith begin with we believe. Jesus himself said that all things are possible if we believe. Clearly belief is enough. Enough for us and enough for him.
I have read and and reflected upon the life, teachings and appearances of Jesus Christ and I believe. I believe he lived, died and was resurrected. I believe The Book of Mormon and Bible testify of him. I believe modern prophets are called by him, and testify of him.
So if you’re ever sat their in the pew wondering if you are less than, or deficient, I don’t think you are. We need not sheepishly declare that We Believe!
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