President Boyd K. Packer explained: “The English word atonement, made of three words: at-one-ment, which means to set at one; one with God; to reconcile, to conciliate, to expiate. But did you know that the atonement appears only once in the English New Testament? (Romans 5:8 11)
Only once in the New Testament but 39 times in the Book of Mormon. What better to validate or confirm that the Book of Mormon is indeed another testament to bear witness of Jesus Christ?
I resonate with the unconditional and conditional blessing of the atonement. If we constantly strive to develop faith in Jesus Christ, repent and are baptized, we are cleansed from our past discretions. Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, we can be sanctified in worthy to remain in heavenly father’s presence. As we all strive to become more like Him.
What does the atonement of Jesus Christ in our gospel mean to you?
Day of Blessings That Never Stops
First thing this morning, my father was scheduled for a knee replacement. I was feeling nervous. All I could do was pray and give it to God.
Today is P–Day for Missionaries, which means they are given nine hours a week that they’re allowed to fill their private time i.e. grocery shopping, laundry, emailing their parents and so on. The Manchester Sister’s had asked me if I would do a home teaching at 12 PM with someone looking into our church. WOW, talk about dedication. After that was over, I had to go to the hospital to sit with my mom and wait for my father’s surgery to be completed.
Excruciating, as it took longer than expected. Again all I could do was just pray and give it to God.
Nothing like a priesthood blessing when you’re in the hospital or feeling sick.
After texting the Hartford Elders “Spanish speaking missionaries,” to assist in offering my father a blessing after his surgery, they arrived at the hospital around 7 PM. I asked one elder if he would seal the oil, and the other to provide the blessing as I felt compelled they needed to do this and I would just partake in the laying of the hands.
WOW!!! The Holy Ghost never lets you down, as the presence was felt throughout the entire room. I could not believe right in front of my very own eyes for the first time my father was allowing “The Mormons,” to perform a blessing. Dad was so polite afterward, he thanked everyone for the blessing.
I didn’t realize the elders were without a car and I had asked politely if I could give them a ride to their next appointment for 8 PM. This goes against my rules, (avoid the appearance of evil) unless I have another senior elder present. Well, I just blurted out; You know I’ll do anything for you guys.
Everything happens for a reason. When I was dropping them off at their appointment, I realized they were going to have to walk home afterward. 4 miles in the frigid cold. I asked if they wanted me to stay for the lesson and they said sure we really could use you.
They shared that the three people we were teaching were baptized into the church three years ago and had stopped attending church quite some time ago. They were all teenagers, their mother was not a member, but their grandmother was.
They offered a prayer in my car prior to walking into the house. During that prayer, I started to feel the promptings to bring up missionary work. When meeting with the elders, I offered an opening prayer, again I was prompted to talk about some of the blessings the elders have received serving as full-time missionaries. I asked the three of them; “have you ever considered going on a mission?” That was it! I had hit the nail on the head. At first, they were a little hesitant and then the
entire conversation turned to how amazing it would be for them to serve as full-time missionaries when two of them graduate school in June.
Driving the Elders back to their apartment just before curfew, they couldn’t believe how powerful the message was felt by all. This goes to show when you have faith and rely on the Holy Ghost, anything is possible, anything can happen.
