I have two excellent friends, “the missionaries”, who have taught me a lot about Jesus Christ. They told me something that I firmly believe: I should pray to God to learn for myself if the church is true. I also believe the Holy Ghost can confirm the truth. I’ve arrived at a point where I’m starting to learn many new things. One of the many things that attracts me to the church is the opportunity to participate in God’s latter-day work. This is one of many things I find attractive. In the end, my missionary friends have been telling me that I should pay more attention to what God is trying to tell me. If the answer is yes, that’s great! If the answer is no, we’ll still be friends. But to tell you the truth, I want the answer to be yes, because I’ve learned so many good things from my missionary friends. I’m at a crossroads in my life. I’m close to being baptized, but I’m afraid of “Surprises” that might lie ahead. Please help me make this important decision. I’m frustrated because I don’t have a clear path for my life yet. I’ve spent a lot of time praying and meditating about these things. Thanks for your help.
3 Responses to “I have two excellent friends, “the missionaries”, who have t…”
Samuel Santana
2010-01-26 06:29:59
Missionaries in Alagoas, Brazil.
I think it's wonderful that you've been meeting with the Mormon missionaries! I can tell that you're genuinely excited about the new things you're learning! I wish everyone could be so enthusiastic about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ's gospel truly does have the power to transform people's lives. I know it's transforming mine. :)
You mentioned that you're still waiting to receive a confirmation from God that the things you've been taught by the missionaries are true. You wrote that you "want it to be true." In the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Alma said that that is how true faith begins. It begins with a "desire to believe" (Alma 32:27). As you nurture your faith, it will grow stronger and stronger, and you'll feel closer and closer to God. It all begins with this very important "desire to believe."
God usually communicates with us in very subtle ways. Given what you wrote, I think you're already feeling God's Spirit; that spirit is already beginning to work in your heart. You wrote that you want to believe, that you want to be baptized, and that you love hearing about Jesus Christ from the missionaries. These feelings are all manifestations of the Spirit of God in your life. As you nurture these spiritual promptings, you'll grow stronger and stronger in Jesus Christ.
You say you're worried about surprises you might encounter in the future. We can never know for certain what the future will bring. Sometimes we need to step into the darkness and trust that God will guide our steps even when we can't see. Once God is with us, we'll be on the right path no matter what happens.
As far as the doctrine of the church is concerned, there is always more to learn. I've been a member of the church for decades, and I still learn new things about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, the missionaries can certainly teach you all of the basic doctrines of the church before you're baptized. Visiting Mormon websites like mormon.org and allaboutmormons.com can also help familiarize you with our basic beliefs. There are no hidden, "secret doctrines."
The San Diego temple in San Diego, California.
Even in the temple, a place that only members of the church who have been properly prepared can enter, no new "surprising" doctrines are taught. The same things taught in the temple are taught by the missionaries and by other church members in Sunday school. Some people are surprised by temple worship because it's largely ceremonial, and our weekly Sunday services are mostly didactic. However, many other religions also have a ceremonial element. If you're familiar with forms of worship like the Catholic mass, for example, the temple ceremony, though different, should not come as any surprise to you. If you're interested, you can learn more about temple worship on this very website.
At some point, we need to take a leap of faith. We need to trust in God; we need to trust that He will guide us. It's impossible to know what life will bring us, including life in the church, but if we walk with God we can be sure that we're on the right path. May God bless you as you continue to learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Richard
2010-01-30 03:05:55
The Book of Mormon has been translated into many languages.
It is wonderful that you have such a good feeling about what the missionaries have taught you. I remember a story my mom told me about her asking if the Book of Mormon was true. She also wanted the answer to be yes, but feared a no. Turns out when she asked the answer came to her mind and heart that she didn't need another confirmation she already knew it was true. As I read your question I wondered if you don't already know, do you?
It's normal to feel reluctance, but I agree with others who have posted. Also, I feel this isn't of myself but how the spirit is directing me. You may need to take a leap of faith: walk a few feet into the the darkness or unkown and you'll find that God will walk with you; or in other words the light follows along.
Write back and tell us how you feel after coming up out of water ok? :)
Anonymous
2010-02-01 00:29:22
I'm glad to know you want to join the church. I grew up in the church and even though I'm still considered a child, I know that I would not be the same person if it weren't for the church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has gotten me through a lot.
I think you should be baptised. Everyone has doubts about things. Just last year I doubted that the church is true, but now I know it is.
You mentioned that you're still waiting to receive a confirmation from God that the things you've been taught by the missionaries are true. You wrote that you "want it to be true." In the Book of Mormon, a prophet named Alma said that that is how true faith begins. It begins with a "desire to believe" (Alma 32:27). As you nurture your faith, it will grow stronger and stronger, and you'll feel closer and closer to God. It all begins with this very important "desire to believe."
God usually communicates with us in very subtle ways. Given what you wrote, I think you're already feeling God's Spirit; that spirit is already beginning to work in your heart. You wrote that you want to believe, that you want to be baptized, and that you love hearing about Jesus Christ from the missionaries. These feelings are all manifestations of the Spirit of God in your life. As you nurture these spiritual promptings, you'll grow stronger and stronger in Jesus Christ.
You say you're worried about surprises you might encounter in the future. We can never know for certain what the future will bring. Sometimes we need to step into the darkness and trust that God will guide our steps even when we can't see. Once God is with us, we'll be on the right path no matter what happens.
As far as the doctrine of the church is concerned, there is always more to learn. I've been a member of the church for decades, and I still learn new things about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, the missionaries can certainly teach you all of the basic doctrines of the church before you're baptized. Visiting Mormon websites like mormon.org and allaboutmormons.com can also help familiarize you with our basic beliefs. There are no hidden, "secret doctrines."
At some point, we need to take a leap of faith. We need to trust in God; we need to trust that He will guide us. It's impossible to know what life will bring us, including life in the church, but if we walk with God we can be sure that we're on the right path. May God bless you as you continue to learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
It's normal to feel reluctance, but I agree with others who have posted. Also, I feel this isn't of myself but how the spirit is directing me. You may need to take a leap of faith: walk a few feet into the the darkness or unkown and you'll find that God will walk with you; or in other words the light follows along.
Write back and tell us how you feel after coming up out of water ok? :)
I think you should be baptised. Everyone has doubts about things. Just last year I doubted that the church is true, but now I know it is.
Hope this helps.