The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes nicknamed Mormons, believe the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit, is the third member of the Godhead. The Godhead consists of God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Mormons do not accept the trinity, a post-Biblical belief that the Godhead is not made up of three separate and individual beings.

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me (John 17).

These verses are taken from the King James translation of the Great Intercessory Prayer given by Jesus Christ. In other places, Jesus had said that He and His Father were one, and in these verses, we are given an understanding of what He meant by this. He is saying He wants His apostles to be one in the same way God and Jesus Christ are one—unified. It is obvious He did not mean to add them to the trinity.

Mormons believe that God and Jesus Christ have physical, but perfected and glorified bodies, but that the Holy Ghost is a spirit without a body. Stephen’s vision demonstrated that both God and Jesus Christ are physically visible and are separate beings:

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7)

It is important to note that Stephen was murdered for daring to testify of this.

However, the Holy Ghost does not have a body, in order to better fulfill His role in the Godhead. One responsibility of the Holy Ghost is to testify of God and Jesus Christ, as well as of other gospel truths. When we want to know what is true, we can pray and ask God. The answer will be given to us through the Holy Ghost.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (John 16:13).

We understand from this verse that we can trust the promptings of the Holy Ghost because He never offers His own opinions. He tells us only what God tells Him to say. God has promised us that if we ask Him for wisdom and knowledge He will give it to us.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).

Mormons consider this to be a critical scripture. It helps us understand that the only way to know what is true is to ask God, who will answer us through the Holy Ghost. Mormons are taught not to trust the testimony of other mortals. While hearing the testimony of others is helpful and important, it must not be our final source of truth. If we pray and ask God what is true, we will never be misled. Although there are some who reject the Mormon teaching to pray about truth, suggesting we can’t tell where the answer is coming from, Mormons trust the Bible and they trust God. Mormons know that God keeps His promises. If He promises He will answer our religious questions, then He will also ensure the Holy Ghost can present those answers in a way the person praying can recognize as coming from God. One way this happens is that when a person tells God he believes something to be true, and asks for confirmation of this—the proper way to approach a request for wisdom—the petitioner will have a feeling of peace and joy. Satan cannot bring about peace and joy. Many people feel a stirring in their heart that feels warm and comforting. Satan cannot bring comfort. The more often we turn to God for advice, the better we become at recognizing how He answers us. These answers always come through the Holy Ghost.

Another role of the Holy Ghost is to provide comfort. The Savior called the Holy Ghost the Comforter for this reason. He can comfort our hearts when we are frightened, worried, or struggling. This comfort reassures us that God is in charge and is helping us through our trials.

A third role of the Holy Ghost is protection. When we are trying to do the right thing, the Holy Ghost will accompany us and warn us of danger or that we are about to sin. When we listen to these promptings, we have increased safety, sometimes physically, and always spiritually.

It is through the Holy Ghost that we’re sanctified when we repent. This sanctification also occurs when we receive special ordinances, such as baptism.

Everyone, from birth, is entitled to the influence of the Holy Ghost. Otherwise, we would be unable to learn what is true. However, to have the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which is to have Him with us every moment if we are worthy, we must first be baptized by someone who has the appropriate priesthood authority and confirmed a member of the Church. At the time of confirmation, the Gift of the Holy Ghost is given. Mormon children are baptized at the age of eight, which is considered the age of accountability—the age when they are old enough to understand right from wrong if taught.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).

 With this gift, a person has the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. However, this is contingent on worthiness. If we are living unworthily or if we ignore the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we lose His companionship. If we intentionally put ourselves in danger—particularly spiritual danger—and ignore the warnings of the Holy Ghost to flee—we will lose His companionship because He can’t accompany us into evil settings we have chosen for ourselves. It is our responsibility to live in a manner that is worthy of His companionship and to obey His promptings.

Following are some thoughts Thomas S. Monson, president and prophet of the Mormons, has offered concerning the Holy Ghost:

When you, my dear young friends, frame your life with faith, you will merit the companionship of the Holy Ghost. You will have “a perfect brightness of hope” (2 Ne. 31:20). (From “The Lighthouse of the Lord: A Message to the Youth of the Church,” Ensign, Feb. 2001, 2–7.)

 

Long years ago a divine command was given by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as He said to His beloved eleven disciples: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”¹ Mark records that “they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them.”²

This sacred charge has not been rescinded. Rather, it has been reemphasized. The Prophet Joseph Smith set forth the purpose of the Church when he declared: “It is the bringing of men and women to a knowledge of the eternal truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer and Savior of the world, and that only through belief in Him, and faith which manifests itself in good works, can men and nations enjoy peace” (That All May Hear, General Conference, April 1995).

Precious young people, make every decision you contemplate pass this test: What does it do to me? What does it do for me? And let your code of conduct emphasize not “What will others think?” but rather “What will I think of myself?” Be influenced by that still, small voice. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head at the time of your confirmation and said, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice that testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … saying, This is the way, walk ye in it” (Isaiah 30:21) (Standards of Strength, New Era, October 2008).

 

A Mormon apostle testifies of the Holy Ghost in this video:

A new poll by USA Today and Gallop show that Thomas S. Monson, prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the tenth most admired man. The poll is taken by telephone calls to people in the United States. Members of the church President Monson leads are often nicknamed Mormons. Although the presidents of the Church often get mentioned, this is the first time a Mormon president has made the list.

Thomas S. Monson is best known for his compassion for others. Raised during the depression, he remembers his mother feeding what were then called hobos. These young men, who rode the rails across country, marked the fences of people who were known to feed the homeless. Each man who knocked at her kitchen door received a hot bowl of soup and was asked only to contact his mother and let her know he was safe.

At Christmas time, the family took gifts to those in need. President Monson remembers delivering food and toys to homes, and once, as a child, provided one of his own beloved birds to give a friend a Christmas dinner.

This childhood training in compassion led to President Monson becoming as compassionate as his parents in adulthood. When he was only twenty-two, he was called to be the bishop of his congregation. A bishop is a lay pastor—the Mormons don’t use paid clergy—who does all the work of a paid minister, but has a family and secular employment at the same time. He was unusually young for a bishop, and his congregation was particularly challenging due to being larger than usual, with 1050 members, and having 85 of those members be widows.

Mormons have programs to help care for their church members who are in need. It is called a welfare program, and is administered by the bishop, usually in conjunction with the president of the women’s Relief Society. Bishop Monson, as he was then known, oversaw a congregation whose boundaries ran alongside the railroad tracks. Mormon congregations have specific boundaries and people attend a congregation based on where they live. Many people lived in basements, back rooms, or falling apart houses and it was his job to track them all down and make certain they were not hungry, sick, or in need. J. Reuben Clark, a high level church leader who helped train Bishop Monson, focused on ways to help the widows. President Monson said of this training:

“Knowing that I was a new bishop presiding over a difficult ward, he emphasized the need for me to know my people, to understand their circumstances, and, in the spirit of tenderness, to minister to their needs. One day he recounted the example of the Savior as recorded in Luke, chapter seven, verses eleven through fifteen:

“And it came to pass … that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him. …

“When he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. …

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

“And he came and touched the bier. … And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

“And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.” [Luke 7:11–15]

When President Clark closed the Bible, I noticed that he was weeping. In a quiet voice he said, “Tom, be kind to the widows, and look after the poor.’” (See Thomas S. Monson, “The Bishop, Center Stage in Welfare,” October 1990 General Conference Address.)

Each year he took a chicken, obtained from a local farm, as his personal gift to each of the widows for their Christmas dinner. He promised to speak at each of their funerals, and he did, even though by the time some died he was an apostle and constantly traveling the world for the Church.

President Monson’s sermons frequently dwell on the importance of individual responsibility toward those in need. He advises church members to look for ways to serve without waiting for an assignment. This focus on service is one of the reasons he is so highly admired, both within and without the church.

President Monson was unusually young for a bishop and he was also unusually young for an apostle. Apostles are called to their position for life, just as they were in the time of Jesus Christ. Thomas S. Monson was only thirty-six years old when he became an apostle. The Church has twelve apostles, following the pattern established by Jesus, and a First Presidency, consisting of the prophet, who is also the President of the Church, and two counselors. The senior member of this group becomes the new prophet on the death of the current prophet. He selects his own counselors.

President Monson first served in the First Presidency in 1985, giving him many years of experience under three presidents before becoming the prophet in February of 2008. He is the sixteenth president of the church.

Mormon leaders are, as mentioned earlier, lay leaders, so they have private sector experience in most cases. President Monson graduated from the University of Utah in Business Management. He taught there as well and later received an MBA from Brigham Young University. He served in the Navy near the end of World War II. He was a General Manager for Deseret Printing until he became an Apostle.

President Monson is married to the former Frances Johnson and has three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

President Monson has served in many capacities in the secular world and in 1981, he was appointed to the President’s Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives, serving under President Ronald Reagan. He remained on the task force until its work was complete. He has also been a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America.

In April 2008, shortly after becoming the prophet, Thomas S. Monson offered the following promise to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

“With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He loves us with a love we cannot fully comprehend, and because He loves us, He gave His life for us. My gratitude to Him is beyond expression….

I pledge my life, my strength in serving Him and in directing the affairs of His Church in accordance with His will and by His inspiration.” (Thomas S. Monson,” Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May, 2008.)

We can draw lessons from prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church“).

I believe a prophet’s example is one of the strongest sermons given over the pulpit of life.

VISUAL ACUITY

In John 1:35-36, John the Baptist discerned Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God.”

I hope to increase my visual acuity of the Savior, discerning who He really is and what He means to me: His divinity, His doctrine, His Atonement He alone could only perform, and His work shouldered by prophets and apostles even to this day.

John’s special witness of Jesus did not fall on deaf ears either.

In verse 37, we read, “And the two disciples heard him speak …”

Have you ever finished reading the Bible and sighed in disappointment because there was nothing else? God’s words are so important, so wonderful, you wish you had more of them to read. Have you ever searched the Bible for an answer to a modern problem that simply wasn’t covered by the Bible, and wondered what God would want you to do about it?

When we study the Bible, we see that the needs of God’s people changed often. Noah needed to build an ark, but Moses didn’t. He needed to lead people through the wilderness safely. Each prophet had specific challenges he faced, based on political and social conditions and the specific behaviors of people in that time. New challenges arose, new temptations, and new ways of thinking. In the New Testament, when Jesus died, his apostles struggled to keep people from adapting false or slightly false beliefs based on their cultures, the rise of Greek philosophy, or simply a misinterpretation of teachings. Sometimes the new Christians simply had questions that hadn’t been answered, so they guessed, and often they guessed wrong. The apostles struggled to keep these from arising, but often without success. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul is found chastising members for believing there would be no resurrection of the dead. He also scolded the Galatians for their lapse into false teachings. (See Galatians 1.) Paul spoke strongly to the Colossians about their rising faith in Gnosticism, a false belief that was invading early Christianity.

Read more about early signs of the Apostasy.

After the apostles were gone, no one else had the authority to receive revelation from God. Most Christians today accept that prophecy ended either with Christ’s death or after the death of the apostles. Mormons (a nickname informally used to describe those who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) believe the apostles were called as prophets, entitled to seek truth from God and to proclaim it officially. Acts 15:32 says, “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.” Judas and Silas, of course, were apostles ,demonstrating that apostles are also prophets.

During the long years in which there were not prophets, times changed dramatically. Issues that were not a concern—or not even invented yet—became challenges for Christians world-wide. Although the early church struggled, brave men and women worked hard to keep it alive and growing. However, they often struggled to know what was true. Although they studied the Bible, they often disagreed over essential doctrines. When this happened, it often led to the creation of new religions.

During the reformation, courageous men spoke out, boldly proclaiming that Christianity no longer existed in a pure form that matched what was taught by Jesus Christ. They believed corruption and false doctrine had crept in over the years. Many died for their courage. These leaders did the best they could to resolve what they considered to be incorrect doctrine, but even within the Protestant movement, there was not always agreement about what was wrong, and today there are many different Protestant sects, all teaching conflicting doctrine, even on subjects that are eternally critical.

Many people today, anxious to find the truth, look at these many churches and their conflicting doctrines, and then turn to the Bible. They note that in Amos 3:7, we are promised, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” They wonder if this means God is doing nothing important today, and yet, the last days are here and the Second Coming is approaching. Surely God is doing important things to prepare for that time. How can they know what those things are and what their own responsibility is in these last days?

Thinking people yearn for a prophet. They ask, “Does God speak today? Does He love us enough to guide us through the complexities of a world that is entirely different than the one in which the Bible was written? Is there a way to know what is true in an ever-growing complexity of competing ideas?”

Mormons say yes, God does speak today. He does love us enough to help us work through these last days knowing exactly what is true. Mormons do not believe that when Jesus died, God retreated and now refuses to speak to us, or that He is disinterested in helping us find the truth. Mormons do not believe God doesn’t want us to pray to Him to find out what is true.

In 1830, a fourteen-year-old boy named Joseph Smith had many of the same questions  with which people today struggle. In view of the contradictions taught by the various Protestant churches in his area, he wondered how he could possibly know which church to join. While reading the Bible, he came across James 1:5:

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

He decided this was the obvious solution to his problem. God was really the only sure source of truth—anyone else could be wrong. He went into the woods to pray and received his first vision—a visit from God and Jesus Christ. Jesus instructed him not to join any of the currently existing churches. The lack of prophecy had caused too many errors to slip into the doctrine.

Once he was an adult, God sent an angel named Moroni to train him for his future role as the first prophet of modern times. In Biblical times, God often took the prophets from the earth, but He always returned them in time, and He had done so once again.

Today, our complex world holds many challenges for those who want to obey God’s word. Essential doctrines on family, the road to salvation, baptism, and other doctrine are being debated with fervor and sometimes even described as unimportant or subject to modern fads. Since Joseph Smith assumed his place as the first prophet of the restoration, there has continued to be a prophet at the head of the Church. Today’s prophet is Thomas S. Monson.

Does God speak today? He does. Through his prophets and apostles, He helps us to understand the choices available to us and the consequences for each choice. When new situations arise, God can help us know how to approach them. Instead of having to pray individually about every possible doctrine—a time consuming and complicated process that essentially involves creating your own religion—you are able to pray to know if President Monson really is a prophet. God will tell you—He has promised to do so. Then, having that assurance from God, you will know you can trust him. However, if at any time he were to say something you were not sure about, you would again be free to pray to know for yourself.

Mormons believe in personal revelation. They believe God speaks to the entire church through the prophets, but they also believe God speaks to us individually if we ask Him to do so. We may not hear actual words, but our hearts will assure us the answer really is from God. Although there are some who warn people not to pray about truth, the Bible tells us we should and that God will answer—Mormons believe the promise of James 1:5. Satan cannot fill our hearts with peace and joy, so it is very easy to tell who is answering your prayers.

Do you want to know more about Thomas S. Monson? Try these websites to learn about him:

Thomasmonson.com: An unofficial website by ordinary Mormons

Biography of Thomas S. Monson

Speeches by Thomas S. Monson

Robert Liefson teaches for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed “Mormons”) in the Seminary and Institute program for young adults, serves as volunteer fire chief in Woodruff, and is the parent of 6 children from 5-19 years of age.

I was blessed to be raised in a home where I regularly heard the stories of Biblical Prophets such as Moses, Noah, Isaiah, Elijah and Abraham. I was taught the writings of the Prophet Amos in the Old Testament where it is recorded, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets.” Many people have posed the question, “Why hasn’t God called Prophets in our day the way He did in ancient times?” Because of their belief that there are prophets today, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) gather every six months in a general conference to hear their counsel. Thanks to the advances of modern technology, this LDS conference is broadcast to countless radio and television stations and translated into ninety-two different languages. It has been my personal practice to watch conference in my home on television. This conference experience would be unique for me as I had the privilege to attend in person with members of my family at the conference center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As the start of the session drew closer I anticipated the entrance of President Thomas S. Monson the current president (“Mormon prophet”) of the Church of Jesus Christ, to take his place among the leaders. His two counselors entered and were seated. It was impossible to miss the empty chair between them. There was a similar hole in my heart as I grew uneasy that he would not be in attendance. To say I was disappointed would be a huge understatement. The meeting began without any word of explanation concerning President Monson’s absence. The Mormon Tabernacle choir performed a hymn, well known to members of the Church “We Ever Pray for Thee, Our Prophet Dear.” Thy lyrics include the promise and hope that “God will give to thee comfort and cheer; As the advancing years furrow thy brow.” The second verse contains the phrase, “That strength be given thee to do thy part, to guide and counsel us from day to day.” The words of the hymn brought some comfort to my heart and perfectly expressed my feelings. I noticed my wife had written on the top of her notepad, “Where is President Monson?”

There have been times in the past where due to age or health, presidents of the Church have been unable to attend the conferences of the Church of Jesus Christ (inadvertently called The Mormon Church by friends of other faiths). I had not expected this conference to be one of these occasions. I tried to focus my attention on the messages of the other speakers and began to write my impressions and thoughts concerning their messages. The members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revere fifteen men as Prophets, Seers and Revelators. This group includes the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles patterned after those called by Jesus Christ during his ministry upon the earth. The Prophets Moses, Enoch, and Daniel were mentioned in the course of the addresses as well as the names of prophets in our time.

As those in the LDS Conference Center stood to sing a hymn part way through the meeting I saw President Monson walk onto the stage and stand between his counselors. I am not known for being an emotional person but my emotions caught me as I had to stop singing. I have possessed a strong conviction throughout my life that there are prophets in our day but the strength of the feelings in my heart once again confirming this belief surprised me. His presence caused a tangible change in the feeling and atmosphere of the Conference Center. The Restoration of Christ’s Church and this dispensation began, actually, with the very appearance of Jesus Christ and the Father to a young inquiring boy who became a prophet–Joseph Smith.

It was announced that President Thomas S. Monson would be the next speaker. As he stood to the pulpit his cheerful greeting of “Hello” brought laughter and smiles to those in attendance. I would assume that those watching on television may have been confused at his greeting but to those of us participating in person, it was a welcome sound. His prophetic, cheerful countenance and optimistic attitude always lift my spirit and motivate me to follow his example.

President and Prophet, Thomas S. Monson’s message included the announcement of several additional temples that will be built throughout the world including France; Democratic Republic of the Congo; South Africa, Colombia, Wyoming and Utah. President Monson also explained, “Temples are places where relationships are sealed together to last through the eternities.” His message was short but I anticipate the impression left upon me that morning to last for a long time.

I witnessed for myself once again that there are prophets upon the earth that fulfill the same role as the ancient prophets. I would encourage anyone who is seeking to hear God’s counsel and guidance to study the words of the messages of LDS (Mormon) General Conference. They are timely and relevant to the challenges we face in our modern world. The prophet Noah was not given the instructions on how Moses should lead the children of Israel out of bondage nor was the prophet Elijah told how Isaiah should counsel the people of his day. The messages of these prophets were specific to the people of their time and we have the same blessing in our day. The prophet’s words give me direction, comfort, and help me see the overall purpose of my life. They are an anchor to me in a world of shifting values and beliefs.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about modern prophets at a local meetinghouse.

Watch General Conference online.

In Matthew 24:3-8, Jesus warned his disciples that in the last days, there would be many false prophets. Some would claim to be Jesus Christ and would be believed by many. Others would, according to Paul (2 Timothy 4:3-4) ignore sound doctrine and instead gather false teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. These are false prophets.

A false prophet does not need to be a religious person or call himself a prophet. Many secular writers, speakers, and television personalities devote much of their time to denying Jesus Christ and leading people away from Him. A secular false prophet can often be more dangerous than a religious one for this reason, since they close the mind to things of the spirit. From the beginnings of time, men have had to struggle to know who the true prophet was and to decide whether or not to follow him. Even great prophets like Moses and Noah had to face those who saw them as false prophets.

Because so many religions are unwilling to believe God still speaks to mankind, religious people find themselves struggling to know what it is God wants them to do or to believe. They have the Bible, but there are many translations, each of which alters the meaning a bit. Sometimes the Bible simply confuses even the great scholars, who debate the meanings of its verses. While it is a valuable resource, and one used by Mormons (a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), it is not always an easy source for knowing just what God wants us to know. Readers of two different religions will translate the verses in two different ways.

God is not the God of confusion. Confusion is Satan’s tool, not God’s. Being all-wise, God naturally would choose a better way for people to know what is true and what is not. Would he expect us to listen to a million conflicting voices and then have to guess which teachings to believe? Of course not.

The Bible clearly outlines how God communicates with his children. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” God promised He would help us know what is true because He would tell the prophets, who would then tell us.

There are some who say that once Jesus died, God discontinued the prophets and vowed never to speak to His children again. While it’s true there have been periodic times of apostasy among God’s children, when prophets were withdrawn because the people had chosen not to listen to them, God has always restored the prophets after a while. It’s also clear He did not withdraw the prophets immediately upon Jesus’ death. In Acts 15:32, we read:

And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

This was after the death of Jesus Christ, so we can see prophecy continued after the death and resurrection of the Savior. They were not false prophets—they were apostles, who also serve as prophets, seers, and revelators in God’s Church. The Bible says the Savior’s church is built on a foundation of prophets and apostles, with Jesus Christ as our cornerstone.

And yet, despite the Bible’s warning that God’s true church must have a foundation of prophets and apostles and its promise that God will do nothing without first telling His prophets, very few churches even claim to have a prophet or apostle. When they aren’t sure what the Bible means, they are left to guess at it. This is why there are so many churches in the world today, why doctrine is too often chosen by councils like the one at Nicene, and why some churches put truth to a vote. They don’t have anyone who communicates with God directly to learn what is true.

And seeing this makes it clear why a loving God would not leave His children to struggle along without a guide as they prepare for the last days. The world is very different from the New Testament world. We need a prophet’s guidance to show us how to navigate this complex world.

In the 1800s, a teenager named Joseph Smith faced many of the problems we’ve discussed here. He visited church after church and heard conflicting teachings. Every church was sure it had it right—but they couldn’t all be right. He read in the Bible that if you ask God for wisdom, God will give it to you. (See James 1:5.) Wisdom was what he needed, so he went into the woods to pray. He asked to know which church was God’s church. God and Jesus Christ appeared to him, God introducing Jesus and Jesus answering his question. He was told none of them had the complete truth and to wait.

As a young adult, he received a visit from an angel named Moroni, who tutored him in preparation for the restoration of the complete gospel. When he was ready, Joseph Smith was shown records Moroni had hidden away in ancient times, when he lived on earth. These records are now known as the Book of Mormon. Mormon was a prophet—Moroni’s father—and is not worshipped by Mormons. He is treated in the same way Mormons and other Christians treat prophets from the Bible.

The Book of Mormon serves as proof that Jesus Christ really was divine and the Son of God, not just an ordinary prophet or teacher. Jesus was known to these people before He was even born, and He appeared to them on the American continent after his death and resurrection. This visit makes clear Jesus is the Savior of all, not just the people who lived in his small, geographical region.

Joseph Smith became the first prophet of the restored gospel. He fulfilled God’s promise that God will always work through prophets to deal with us. Since that time, there has always been a prophet on the earth and will be until Jesus Christ returns and there is no longer a need for one.

How can you know if the modern Mormon prophet is a true prophet or a false prophet? You can know in the same way Joseph Smith learned not to join any of the existing churches. If you have faith in the Bible, you will know that as James promised in the New Testament, you can ask God to tell you what is true. While some say we must not trust James’ promise, because you can’t tell who is answering you, Mormons disagree. They trust the Bible and they trust God. If He makes a promise, He finds a way to keep it. This means He will help you to know the source of the answers He sends. Satan cannot bring feelings of peace and joy.

Mormons, even children, are taught they must never take anyone’s word for whether or not the Mormon prophet is the real prophet. They are taught they must pray and ask God to confirm that information for them—they know God will answer, so they have nothing to fear from teaching their members to do so. The Bible warns, in the same section that asks you to pray, that you must pray with complete faith, nothing wavering. This means you must be prepared to accept the answer, even if you hoped you wouldn’t receive the answer you did.

Why does it matter whether or not we know if God has sent a prophet? So many of the things religious people debate is essential to our salvation. Do you really want to guess about what is true when eternity is at stake? Do you want to take the word of a human being as to how to interpret the Bible? Or would you rather trust God, the only source of truth? By asking God what is true and what you must do, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

On the pages of this website, you will be able to find many of the teachings of the current Mormon prophet, Thomas S. Monson. Mormons first study an issue out and come to a conclusion. They then take what they believe is true to God and ask a yes or no question. If you ask if Thomas Monson is the Mormon prophet, a “yes” will feel peaceful, joyful, and right. You’ll feel what some people describe as a swelling in the heart. A “no” will lead to feelings of negativity, confusion, all the things that tell you God is not accepting your decision.

Remember, though, you must go into this with a complete desire to learn the truth, not just a confirmation of what you want to be true, and you must act on your answer. To ask God what is true and then to reject or ignore His answer is unworthy behavior in a Christian.

Millions of Mormons have put truth to the test. Try it yourself. Trust God—He is listening and He does hear and answer prayers.

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11, many of us have spent some time pondering those events and remembering much of the pain and devastation that day caused in our lives and consciousness. The effects of that day have not ended. Families are still mourning loved ones who were lost, and families continue to lose loved ones who are willing to lay down their lives for the freedoms of others. Yet, this war, that has now been going on for ten years, is so far removed from most of us in the United States that it is easy to pretend like it is not happening. It is easy to forget the devastation, hurt, and fear we felt ten years ago. However, with that pain and loss came a binding together such as I had never known was possible in this country.

It had been a long time since I had heard people speak proudly in public about God and our relationship to Him, both individually and as a country. Yet, for the weeks and months following the attack, people came together in a profound and touching way. We remembered God. We remembered all He has given us, the protection that He had offered so many times, the strength He continued to offer. We found comfort in Him and in each other.

After a few months, though, that reflection and power seemed to fade. President Thomas S. Monson was asked to write a piece for the Washington Post blog “On Faith” for the tenth anniversary of that fateful day. He shared some thoughts that reminded us that God is always there, even when we don’t call on Him. We should call on Him more, in the good times as well as the bad. He remarked on the country’s behavior after 9/11:

“There was, as many have noted, a remarkable surge of faith following the tragedy. People across the United States rediscovered the need for God and turned to Him for solace and understanding. Comfortable times were shattered. We felt the great unsteadiness of life and reached for the great steadiness of our Father in Heaven. And, as ever, we found it. Americans of all faiths came together in a remarkable way.”

This time served to remind us how much strength we have when we lean on our Father in Heaven. However, President Monson also noticed how quickly we seemed to forget, “Sadly, it seems that much of that renewal of faith has waned in the years that have followed. Healing has come with time, but so has indifference. We forget how vulnerable and sorrowful we felt. Our sorrow moved us to remember the deep purposes of our lives. The darkness of our despair brought us a moment of enlightenment. But we are forgetful. When the depth of grief has passed, its lessons often pass from our minds and hearts as well.”

The counsel that a living prophet of God gives us is to draw near to God now and always: “The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day. We truly ‘need Him every hour,’ not just in hours of devastation. We must speak to Him, listen to Him, and serve Him. If we wish to serve Him, we should serve our fellow men. We will mourn the lives we lose, but we should also fix the lives that can be mended and heal the hearts that may yet be healed.”

I draw a great deal of comfort from knowing that we have a living prophet of God who offers us counsel and encouragement. I also am comforted to know that God is unwavering in His love for me and in His constancy. He will always be there for all of us to lean on, and can bless our lives so much more if we are willing to allow Him in for our joys and sorrows alike.

Thomas S. Monson, the Mormon prophet, spoke at Dixie State College in Utah at their commencement. The address was given May 6, 2011, at which time he also received an honorary doctorate degree in Humanities.

President Monson often offers analogies to help listeners understand his message. In this address, he used the analogy of a bridge to suggest the bridges the graduates will have to cross in their paths to successful lives. He based this analogy on a poem called The Bridgebuilder, by Will Allen Dromgoole. President Monson is well-read and is known for his ability to have a poem or literary quote for any occasion. This poem tells of an elderly man crossing a deep and wide chasm. When he makes the challenging journey across the chasm, he stops and builds a bridge behind him. Someone asks him why he is bothering since his journey is nearly over and he won’t need to cross that chasm again. He explains that a young person will be crossing this chasm soon and while he managed the chasm successfully, it might turn out to be a pitfall to the young person crossing in dim light. He is building the bridge for that person. Thomas Monson offers three bridges of his own to help the young people to whom he is speaking.

The first bridge he offered was that of attitude.

Said American psychologist and philosopher William James, “The greatest discovery of my generation is that men can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind.”

Attitude can make all the difference in our lives, and we control our attitude. It can make us miserable or happy, content or dissatisfied. To a great degree, it can make us strong or weak.” He reminded listeners that William James said if you want a virtue, act as if you already have it.

Thomas Monson told two stories that illustrated the importance of attitude. One told of John James Audubon, the great ornithologist, painter, and naturalist. President Monson has raised homing pigeons since childhood and is very fond of birds. He said that Audubon once went on a business trip. When he returned, he found rats had nibbled through a box with more than 200 of his drawings of birds. The drawings were destroyed and he was, for weeks to come, devastated at this destruction of so many years of work. Finally, he realized his attitude was destructive and he needed to take a new approach. He wrote in his journal that he was happy to have a chance to redo the drawings because this time, he could do them even better. Nothing had changed in terms of his life situation and yet when he changed his attitude, he changed his feelings about the event, thus improving his life.

The second bridge President Monson built was that of integrity, a quality that seems to be less important to many today. He said many people try to justify dishonesty.

Being true to oneself is anything but easy if the moral standards of one’s associates conflict with his or her own. The herd instinct is strong in the human animal, and the phrase “Everybody else is doing it” has an insidious attraction. To resist what “everybody else” is doing is to risk being ostracized by one’s peers, and it’s normal to dread rejection. Nothing takes more strength than swimming against the current. You, my friends, are strong and must at times decide to swim against that current.

Perhaps the surest test of an individual’s integrity is his or her refusal to do or say anything to damage his or her self-respect. The cornerstone of one’s value system should be the question, “What will I think of myself if I do this?”

President Monson told his listeners that there is no point in gaining fame and glory if you can’t look yourself in the mirror with pride.

The third bridge Thomas S. Monson offered was that of service. Thomas Monson is widely known for his compassion to those with challenges in life. As a very young bishop (a lay minister) he was assigned to a congregation with many, many widows. One of his responsibilities was to see that their needs were met. Mormon bishops have non-religious careers of their own choosing and they have families, which means their ecclesiastical work must be done after work and on weekends and must be balanced with family life. Despite this challenge, he kept a close eye on the widows, even visiting each one personally at Christmas with a fresh chicken for their holiday dinner. He spoke at all their funerals, even when he become a high level Mormon leader who traveled extensively. He often speaks of his mother, who served the men who rode the rails during the depression, and who, with the rest of the family, took gifts to families in need at Christmas time. Service is a centerpoint of President Monson’s life.

There are opportunities to serve which are open to everyone. The blind and the handicapped need friendship; the aged are hungry for companionship; the young need understanding guidance; the gifted are starved for encouragement. These benefits can’t be conferred by reaching for your checkbook. Personal service is direct and human.

Said a wise man many years ago, “We can’t do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere.”

Our service to others may not be dramatic, but we can bolster human spirits, clothe cold bodies, feed hungry people, comfort grieving hearts, and lift to new heights precious souls.

He told students that while they may become rich or famous, their real success in life will be measured by how much they serve. This level of service is what will bring them true satisfaction, not the money and fame.

This graduation was the 100^th anniversary of the university, which began as the Saint George Stake Academy and was created by the Mormons. In 1933, the Church turned it over to the state, which considered closing it in 1952. However, voters rescued the college. It was once a high school and college combined. In time, the high school became a separate school and the community college eventually began to add four-year degrees. It is working toward university status now.

Read Thomas Monson’s address to Dixie State College.

In the 2010 General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are sometimes called Mormons, Thomas S. Monson talked about Mormon temples. President Monson is the current Mormon prophet and also the president of the Church.

Temples date as far back as the exodus of the Israelites under the leadership of Moses. The Israelites were commanded by God to create a portable temple, called a tabernacle, they could take with them from place to place. Knowing that God did not want them even to travel without a temple tells us just how important temples are in God’s plan. The Old Testament also mentions the Temple of Solomon and the Temple of Zerubbabel, while the New Testament mentions the Temple of Herod, a place we often found Jesus. The people of the Book of Mormon also built temples. Unfortunately, temples, like other parts of God’s plan, disappeared from the earth during the great apostasy. It was not until the gospel was restored that temples returned to the earth.

Joseph Smith received his first revelation about temples in 183, with instructions to build a temple in Kirtland Ohio, followed by one in Missouri. Today, temples can be found around the world. There are 131 temples currently built, with 21 more currently being built and five that have been announced.

Temples are different from ordinary meetinghouses. Mormon meetinghouses, found in neighborhoods around the world, are open to the public. Sunday worship services, religious education, and weekday activities are held in them. Temples, however, are open only to those who have been found worthy by their leadership to enter. Except in special circumstances, full attendance is open only to adults, with limited access available to teenagers.

Inside the temples, Mormons make covenants (sacred two-way promises with God), learn the gospel, and perform sacred ordinances. The temple focuses on the gospel of Jesus Christ and is especially important to the sanctity of family life.

In his conference address, Thomas Monson focused on the sacrifices many have made in order to obey God’s commandment to attend the temple. He spoke of a group of 100 Mormons deep in the heart of the Amazon in Manaus, Brazil who were determined to get to the temple to do their sacred ordinances for the first time. At that time, the closest temple was 2500 miles away. This did not daunt the members, who had been saving their money for many years. They first traveled the Amazon River by boats for four days. This was followed by three days of travel on busses and bumpy roads with little to eat. After attending the temple, they had to make the same trip in reverse. They arrived home with little money, but their hearts were filled. They knew they had been doing the Lord’s work and they were happy to make whatever sacrifices were called for. Today, a temple is being built in their own area.

“Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple? Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings. There are never too many miles to travel, too many obstacles to overcome, or too much discomfort to endure. They understand that the saving ordinances received in the temple that permit us to someday return to our Heavenly Father in an eternal family relationship and to be endowed with blessings and power from on high are worth every sacrifice and every effort.”

President Monson addressed the Rome, Italy temple, now under construction. Mormons were very excited about the announcement of this temple.

“Every temple is a house of God, filling the same functions and with identical blessings and ordinances. The Rome Italy Temple, uniquely, is being built in one of the most historic locations in the world, a city where the ancient Apostles Peter and Paul preached the gospel of Christ and where each was martyred.

Last October, as we gathered on a lovely pastoral site in the northeast corner of Rome, it was my opportunity to offer a prayer of dedication as we prepared to break the ground. I felt impressed to call upon Italian senator Lucio Malan and Rome’s vice-mayor Giuseppe Ciardi to be among the first to turn a shovelful of earth. Each had been a part of the decision to allow us to build a temple in their city.

The day was overcast but warm, and although rain threatened, not more than a drop or two fell. As the magnificent choir sang in Italian the beautiful strains of “The Spirit of God,” one felt as though heaven and earth were joined in a glorious hymn of praise and gratitude to Almighty God. Tears could not be restrained.

In a coming day, the faithful in this, the Eternal City, will receive ordinances eternal in nature in a holy house of God.”

Read, watch, or listen to The Holy Temple by Thomas S. Monson.

When Thomas Monson, the Mormon prophet, was about twelve or thirteen years old, he had an opportunity to save someone’s life. For him, it was a lesson in how God does His work through others, placing them where they are needed, and also  in the importance of being prepared to serve wherever God needs you.

His family spent summers in Provo Canyon in Utah. He learned to swim in the Provo River and often enjoyed leisurely afternoons floating down it in an old inner tube taken from a tractor. He knew every bit of the river and so was not afraid of it.

For those less familiar with the river, however, there were sometimes dangers. The Greek-speaking people in Provo held an annual picnic along the river and some enjoyed taking time to swim. This particular year the swimmers entered the water late in the day, when everyone else was gone. Their swimming experience was with swimming pools, not rapidly flowing rivers and one woman fell from a rock. No one with her could swim well enough to go after her, since this was the fastest spot in the river.

Thomas Monson was just entering the areas when he heard people shouting for help. She went under twice before he could reach the woman and just as she started to go under the third time, he was able to grab her with his hand. He pulled her into his tube and delivered her to slower part of the river to her waiting family. He was, as most boys that age would be, embarrassed when they began hugging and kissing him, thanking him for saving her. As quickly as possible, he escaped their praise and continued his journey. He began to realize that he, just a young boy, had been given a chance to save a life.

Of this experience, he wrote:

  Heavenly Father had heard the cries, “Save her! Save her,” and permitted me, a deacon, to float by at precisely the time I was needed. That day I learned that the sweetest feeling in mortality is to realize that God, our Heavenly Father, knows each one of us and generously permits us to see and to share His divine power to save (Thomas S. Monson, “Who Honors God, God Honors”, October 1995 General Conference).

In years to come, Thomas Monson would have other opportunities to save lives, most often through his priesthood. The Mormon church has a lay ministry and all boys and men ages twelve and older who are worthy may receive this priesthood. This is why President Monson referred to himself as a deacon in the above quote. That is the first priesthood office a young man holds.

Older priesthood officers are given the gift of the laying on of hands. When a person is sick, injured, or in need of comfort or guidance, priesthood holders may place their hands on that person’s head, and through the priesthood power given to them by God, may offer a prayer that can bring, through God, healing. Not all who receive a blessing are healed, of course. Everyone must at some time die and sometimes our trials are for our own good or serve another purpose. However, the blessing places the recipient firmly in God’s hands and brings assurance that all will be as God plans it.

He tells the story of the first time he was called on to use his priesthood to heal someone:

During the final phases of World War II, I turned 18 and was ordained an elder—one week before I departed for active duty with the navy. A member of my ward bishopric was at the train station to bid me farewell. Just before train time, he placed in my hand a book which I hold before you tonight. Its title: The Missionary’s Hand Book. I laughed and commented, “I’ll be in the navy—not on a mission.” He answered, “Take it anyway. It may come in handy.”

It did. During basic training our company commander instructed us concerning how we might best pack our clothing in a large seabag. He then advised, “If you have a hard, rectangular object you can place in the bottom of the bag, your clothes will stay more firm.” I thought, “Where am I going to find a hard, rectangular object?” Suddenly I remembered just the right rectangular object—The Missionary’s Hand Book. And thus it served for 12 weeks at the bottom of that seabag.

The night preceding our Christmas leave, our thoughts were, as always, on home. The barracks were quiet. Suddenly I became aware that my buddy in the adjoining bunk—a member of the Church, Leland Merrill—was moaning in pain. I asked, “What’s the matter, Merrill?”

He replied, “I’m sick. I’m really sick.”

I advised him to go to the base dispensary, but he answered knowingly that such a course would prevent him from being home for Christmas. I then suggested he be quiet so that we didn’t awaken the entire barracks.

The hours lengthened; his groans grew louder. Then, in desperation, he whispered, “Monson, aren’t you an elder?” I acknowledged this to be so, whereupon he pleaded, “Give me a blessing.”

I became very much aware that I had never given a blessing. I had never received such a blessing; I had never witnessed a blessing being given. My prayer to God was a plea for help. The answer came: “Look in the bottom of the seabag.” Thus, at 2:00 a.m. I emptied on the deck the contents of the bag. I then took to the night-light that hard, rectangular object, The Missionary’s Hand Book, and read how one blesses the sick. With about 120 curious sailors looking on, I proceeded with the blessing. Before I could stow my gear, Leland Merrill was sleeping like a child.

The next morning, Merrill smilingly turned to me and said, “Monson, I’m glad you hold the priesthood!” His gladness was only surpassed by my gratitude—gratitude not only for the priesthood but for being worthy to receive the help I required in a time of desperate need and to exercise the power of the priesthood” (Thomas S. Monson, “The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift”, April 2007 General Conference address).

Today, as the Mormon prophet, Thomas Monson is involved in an even more important role as a life saver. Today, his primary responsibility is to lead people to be saved in the kingdom of God. He is specifically called to testify of Jesus Christ and to encourage people to love and follow Jesus.

One of the many testimonies Thomas Monson has offered of the Savior is this:

With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. Because He died, all shall live again. “Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’”  May the whole world know it and live by that knowledge, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, amen (Thomas S. Monson, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives!”, April 2007 General Conference).