somethings that make us different

I was talking to my roommate the other day and he was talking about how every church is basically the same. Except for maybe a few small things, but that they are the same. It didn't feel or sound right so I've been thinking about, what makes us different. What makes us the one true church. That part my roommate and I get into about sometimes because he is Catholic and I'm obviously LDS. He likes to say that the Catholic church is the one true church because its been around for a long time. I would come back with that I know that ours is the true church. He'd ask me how and my only answer is that I just know. Just because a church is old, doesn't make it the true church. Then I realized, how can I properly explain that its true. I can easily go on faith alone.. but not everyone does. During the testimony meeting, a sister stated that it is/can be hard for one with an analytical mind to have faith.

The following scripture has been floating in my mind:

"Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" John 20:29

I understand that and although I don't need proof its true, I was still thinking about how can I explain it to someone else that does need proof. Then the following answers came to me:

1. The Book of Mormon which is another testament of Jesus Christ. All you need to do is read it or at least read part of it and you will know of its truth. I seriously doubt there is anyone out there that can honestly say they have read the Book of Mormon and still say they don't believe. It corroborates with the Bible with events that happened and prophecies that came true. We are the only ones that have another book testifying to us. Every other Christian church goes off just the Bible. 
2. The Prophet Joseph Smith. He is a man that was born in New York that when he was a teenager went into the grove - now the sacred grove - and prayed. He was visited by our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in person. He reestablished the church upon the earth.
3. Our Latter-Day Prophets. We are the only ones with modern day prophets. They help guide us and let us know what we need to do. 
4. The Apostles. We are the only ones that have 12 apostles as Christ did in his ministry.
5. The Priesthood. We are the only ones that have men who have priesthood authority. 
6. The Word of Wisdom. Other churches have something similar, but we have actual doctrine. The things in the word of wisdom are stated in the Bible as well. 
7. Its a lifestyle. We're one of the only ones where you actually live the gospel. Not where the rules only apply on Sundays. Or when its convienient. 

Something that comes to mind is something a friend of mine said. There is more anti-Mormon literature than any other religion. So you wonder why is there so much against Mormons? The church has got to be true..

Its not an exact quote, but its pretty close. I just think its interesting.

thoughts having to do with the Book of Mormon

I was thinking about something that the missionaries talked about during correlation meeting.

They were talking about the Book of Mormon. How its the keystone to our religion, how its a testimony builder, among other things. They gave us each a copy of the Book of Mormon. One of the missionaries got up and asked us to look through the book and give scripture showing how we know its true or something like that. I couldn't come up with the specific scripture at the time, but I mentioned that it talks about Alma baptizing people in the waters of Mormon, so the church was kind of established before the Prophet Joseph Smith. At the time I said it was in Alma, but its actually in Mosiah 25:18.. some others gave some great answers. I can't remember what they were though. The missionaries suggested sharing our testimonies of the Book of Mormon in the door approach. I realized that I don't have a testimony specifically about the Book of Mormon. I mean I know its true, but beyond that.

I was listening to the Book of Mormon tonight, I finished up Helaman and just listened to 3 Nephi 1 when I decided to type this. I realized that listening to the words testify to me that again that the book is true. Particularly because it corroborates with the Bible and prophesies of things that happen in it. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. Like how Tad R. Callister of the Seventy gave his testimony of the Book Of Mormon in the October 2011 general conference, fall session: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng

If you haven't watched/listened/read it yet, I really suggest you do.. even if you have, do it again.

I guess good news travels fast

Last Friday (3/2/2012) a girl came to me at school and asked me if I was Mormon. I was surprised by her question because: one, I only told 2 people, one student who is also a friend and an instructor.. and two because we are not supposed/allowed to talk about religion at school.. its too much of a hot button topic. So I keep to myself.

I confirmed and she asked me if we read the Bible everyday, why, how Lucifer became Satan, about the creation and the fall, and some other stuff. I tried to explain to her.. but she looked at me puzzled and as if she didn't believe me. I don't like to Bible bash, so I didn't argue with her beyond attempting to explain what I knew. I realized talking to her that I need to be more well versed in the scriptures than trying to recall what I was taught. I realized I was late clocking back in from lunch, so I left her with the advice of: next time you pray, ask for the knowledge to the questions you have, ask if the scriptures are true, and you'll receive answers.

I'm not used to people that I don't know asking me about the church and what we believe. I liked it and it'd be cool if it happens again. I just hope that if/when it happens again I can fully answer their questions.