The Keystone of my Religion

The other day I was on the churches web site and there was an article discussing a talk where Elder M. Russell Ballard urges students in Laie, Hawaii "to use the Internet — including blogs and other forms of “new media” — to contribute to a national conversation about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." As most of you who read this blog know the lesson in Sunday School for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints was entitled "The Keystone of Our Religion." I am always excited whenever we begin a year of studying the Book of Mormon.

Near the end of the lesson there was a quote read that stated that the members of the church come under condemnation when we do not read the Book of Mormon. I have to admit that I am guilty of the sins of ommission concerning this charge. I also realized (as I pondered that thought) the truth of that statement. Joseph Smith and many other men and women sacrificed so very much so that I might have this precious fountain of doctrinal knowledge. How can I take lightly the charge to read the Book of Mormon? I should be reading it with all the passion that I would a novel and really even much much more.

I have a goal this year to follow along with the reading for the sunday school lessons and thereby reread the Book of Mormon. I am very grateful for the Book of Mormon. I myself have had my own witness of it's truthfulness. One night as I asked the Lord if this book was truly his word I was overwhelmed by the spirit with a feeling of warmth and peace and I knew that the Lord had answered my prayers. The Book of Mormon is the true word of God and I am so thanksful for my witness of the Book. I know that Jesus has suffered for all our sins as well as our sorrows. I am thankful for the opportunity to read about the lives of the Nephites who looked to God for their strength. I am grateful for the lessons I will be able to learn from the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, of which I am truly grateful.