Jeffrey R. Holland- Book of Mormon Safety for the Soul

We all remember this talk by Jeffrey R. Holland. I think we all remember how we felt as well. If you didn't hear this talk, or forget it, take the opportunity to watch the highlights.

October Ensign Issue Dedicated to Book of Mormon

"The October 2011 issue of the Liahona and Ensign is a special issue that will focus on what the Book of Mormon is, why it exists, and how it affects lives."

"Its pages will include a history of the Book of Mormon, members’ personal experiences with it, suggestions for scripture study, and information on how it applies today. The testimonies of and insights into the Book of Mormon from living prophets and apostles, as well as from Joseph Smith and every Church President since, are incorporated throughout the issue."

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I know that as men and women everywhere devote themselves to a dedicated study of the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon, these words will become a buffer for them against the temptations of the devil, and a source of peace through trials. I hope that my testimony of the words of God will be strengthened as I read this month's issue.

The Book of Mormon Answers Questions of the Soul

President Ezra Taft Benson said that missionaries “need to show how[the Book ofMormon] answers the great questions of the soul” (“Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Nov. 1988).

“The great questions of the soul” may include such questions as these: Is there really aGod? Did I exist before I was born? Will I live after I die? What is the purpose of life? Is Jesus really the Savior?

Other questions may focus on more temporal needs: How can I improve my relationship withmy spouse? How can I help my teenagers avoid drugs or immorality? How can I find work to support my family?

The gospel of Jesus Christ helps us answer both kinds of questions. As we gain faith that the Book of Mormon is true, we can begin to answer questions about the purpose of life and the hope of eternal life. The Book of Mormon describes the plan of happiness, which gives meaning and perspective to life. Answers to questions such as the following are clearlytaught in the Book of Mormon.

• Is there a God? (Alma 22)
• What does Jesus Christ expect of me? (2 Nephi 9)
• How can a belief in Jesus Christ help me? (Alma 36)
• Is there life after death? (Alma 40)
• What is the purpose of life? (Alma 34)
• Why does God allow evil and suffering to occur? (2 Nephi 2; Alma 14:9–11; 60:13)
• Does my infant need to be baptized? (Moroni 8)
• Does God know me? (Alma 5:38, 58)
• Does God answer prayers? (Enos 1)
• How can I find peace and joy? (Mosiah 2, 4)
• How can my family be happier and more united? (Mosiah 2)
• How can I balance my family and career? (3 Nephi 13)
• How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse? (3 Nephi 14)
• How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family? (Alma 39)
• How can I avoid sin? (Helaman 5)

What is your favorite question that the Book of Mormon answers?

The Book of Mormon and the Bible Support Each Other

People’s beliefs about the Bible vary widely. Some believe that the Bible is absolutely perfect, without error, and that it is all we need to be saved. Others think the Bible is literature worth studying, but they deny that it is evidence of Christ’s divinity and miracles or direct revelation from God. Some choose to ignore the Bible, and others have never seen the Bible or had a chance to read it.

Latter-day Saints “believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith 1:8). Far from competing with the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports it, exhorts us to read it, and testifies of the truthfulness of its message. You should use the Book of Mormon and the Bible to support one another.

The Book of Mormon speaks of the ancient covenants God made with His children; the Bible tells of great prophets who also received these covenants by faith. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and His Atonement; the Bible provides the account of His birth, ministry, death, Atonement, and Resurrection. Thus, the Bible and Book of Mormon complement and enrich each other.

-Preach My Gospel