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10 December 2006 The Importance of Having A Prophet As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets who are inspired men called to speak for the Lord, just as Moses, Isaiah, Nephi, Moroni and other prophets of the scriptures. We sustain the President of the Church as our prophet, seer and revelator – the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. To sustain means to support them and follow their council. Like the prophets of old, prophets today testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They speak boldly and clearly, denouncing sin and warning of its consequences. At times, they may be inspired to prophesy of future events for our benefit. They are the watchmen on the tower and can see what dangers lie ahead before it reaches us. They can tell us the message that the Lord wants us to hear. We can always trust the living prophets. Their teachings reflect the will of the Lord. Please turn with me to Doctrine and Covenants, section 1, verse 38. (wait a minute---read out of your scriptures) What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.Our greatest safety lies in strictly following the word of the Lord given through His prophets, particularly the current President – President Gordon B. Hinckley. The Lord warns that those who ignore the words of the living prophets will fall. He promises great blessings to those who follow the President of the Church: Again in Doctrine and Covenants, section 21, starting in verse 4 we read: (pause a minute—read out of your own scriptures) Thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;Following President Hinckley’s messages to us today will guide us back to our Heavenly Father. Following the Prophet is just like what Nephi described in his vision of the iron rod. They both are the word of God and will lead us safely back to our heavenly home. I love President Hinckley’s messages. In this last General Conference, President Hinckley told the members of the Priesthood to “Rise up and be men of God”. He explained the importance of holding the Priesthood. I am grateful for his guidance and leadership. I know he is the one on the earth today that the Lord wants as his Prophet. I know that when I follow him, I am growing closer to my Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know he told the truth about Jesus and Heavenly Father. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. |