A Case of Mistaken Identity: T'Challa

A few months ago, I rewatched Black Panther and it’s still as good as ever. Between having that in my recent memory and last week’s Come Follow Me reading, with Satan trying to tear down Moses, I had some thoughts.

T'Challa had barely begun grieving in processing his father‘s death, as seen in Civil War, when he was duty bound to accept any challenges of ritual combat. Most of the tribes in Wakanda conceded to him as the rightful king and Black Panther. But naturally someone had to challenge him: M'Baku

Something struck me during their fight during my recent feeling of the movie. While fighting M’Baku, the queen mother shouted at T’Challa, “ Show him who you are!” For whatever reason, this line hit me differently. In many ways, it defined the rest of the movie.

Even though he won the throne in that battle, T’Challa had some growing pains as the new king and Black Panther. Again, it had been mere weeks since the traumatic death of his father. He had let go of the anger towards Zemo, to whatever extent. But it wouldn’t be long until Killmonger challenged everything he knew about his father. Imagine learning details about your late father and how he treated his family while trying to grieve that loved one.

Learning that his father was instrumental in his uncle’s death, our beloved Black Panther was conflicted about what it meant to be king and what to do about Killmonger’s plan. In the end, I suppose he realized that Killmonger's motivation wasn’t completely flawed, though obviously the execution of that plan was dangerous and cruel to many innocent people. 

In many ways, his mother’s words ended up having more to do with the coming fight with Killmonger than it did M’Baku. After the battle against his cousin, T’Challa add to decide what to do about the Wakandan tradition of isolation. What kind of king did he want to be? Would he keep the kingdom‘s secrets like his father? Or would he risk their livelihood by reaching out to the world? 

I think it’s amazing that T’Challa, while respecting his father‘s memory, decided to do more. By reaching out to the rest of the world, providing technology and resources, mankind would never be the same. If nothing else, the Avengers wouldn’t have had so many allies in the battle against Thanos (granted, they lost the first round of that battle). Their king gave the Wakandan people a chance to show the world who they were. 

To bring in a spiritual perspective, we are tempted every day to go with the flow or to stick with the status quo. Call it tradition. Call it a fallen world. Call it whatever you want. The adversary loves complacency and wants us to believe we're nothing more than flesh (see also Moses's experience in Come Follow Me last week) but we are sons and daughters of God. I love this quote from Christian author John Eldredge in his book Wild at Heart:

"The Enemy fears you. You are dangerous big-time. If you are ever really got your heart back, live from it with courage, you would be a huge problem to him. You would do a lot of damage…on the side of good."

Eldredge isn’t a member of the Restored Church, but the statement is true especially for Latter-day Saints. Like Moses, if we don’t have a sense of who we are (sons and daughters of God) and what our heart truly wants (see also the Plan of Salvation), Satan can take us wherever he wants to keep us from that goal. He can pull us down and downplay our divine identity.

Just as the Wakandans left their isolation and began outreach to the world, we are expected to be disciples of Jesus Christ, rising out of obscurity. Like the Wakandans we have so much to offer the world, but it’s easy to stay in our own little sphere. I’m praying and pondering almost constantly on this subject, as I tried to “[get] my heart back” and understand my relationship to our heavenly father on a deeper level. As each of us develops and deepens that relationship, I believe outreach will come naturally and powerfully. Like Moses, it's up to us to respond to the adversary, "Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten;"

Remembering President Holland

  With the recent passing of President Jeffery R. Holland, I figured I’d just share some thoughts about his teachings through the years. I know there is much more to be addressed than what I have written here, but I hope you enjoy some of the things that stood out to me from the teachings of this former BYU President, Apostle, and President of the Quorum of the Twelve. 

 I saw and shook his hand when he visited my mission. The take away for me there was “the spirit is still and small and does not compete” or that’s how I remembered him sharing it. At my Grandpa’s funeral in 2018, the bishop who spoke said he received a call from Elder Holland while he, the bishop, was at Disneyland with his family. Elder Holland knew this bishop would be speaking at my grandpa’s funeral and it turns out Elder Holland and my grandpa were home teaching companions at one point. Talk about an unexpected plot twist! My grandpa had not mentioned that small detail during his life.

It seemed like Elder Holland was always pounding the pulpit about something. I loved his passion and fire when he spoke. But he was also quite funny. “You shouldn’t be serving tea anyways” was quite the unexpected remark in an analogy portion about the dangers of lust. Who knew we would be getting a Word of Wisdom narrative in the midst of a bridle your passions sermon? Not to mention his commentary about “Monday is coming,” “Hit me one more time, I can still hear you,” “I’m the only thing standing between you and your ice cream Sunday tradition,” or “General Conference is boring, why do we have to do it?” followed by a ploy to have people remember him as “Kearon, Elder Patrick Kearon” which may or may not have been a low key homage to the British spy (“Bond, James Bond” just made that connection). He taught and testified of the Savior. He loved his family and especially his wife, Pat: “True love we are absolutely giddy about—as I am about Sister Holland; we shout it from the housetops.”  People seemed to sit up and listen when he spoke because falling asleep was usually not an option. He testified of the Book of Mormon and of the Bible in a series of talks. He spoke of the First Vision. He spoke of the Holy Ghost. He spoke of angels. He gave new interpretations and meaning to the parables and to interactions of the Savior with his apostles.

In his later addresses, it seemed to me at least, President Holland spoke frequently of the love he had for his sweet wife, Pat. He spoke of how he missed her. I am glad they are reunited again. In his final address, at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, he spoke about missing his wife for the past three Christmases. He also spoke about the song, “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” How fitting that he is now home with Pat again.

 

 It was his testimony and his teachings that I enjoyed the most. His passion and love made him memorable for sure. It was always apparent to me that he loved the Lord and that He wanted to serve and testify of Him. I will miss him, but  I am glad we have access to his talks from General Conference, BYU and other college devotionals, and CES firesides from which we can continue to learn. 

Scripture Hero Spotlight: Captain Moroni

Flashback: 2010, my first area and first companion on my mission. Elder Call’s favorite scripture (his family scripture) was Alma 44:4

“Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.”

It’s a wonderfully inspirational scripture and I’m reminded of it and my time with Elder Call whenever I see a “444” on a license plate, a patient’s chart, or anything else. Despite how solemn this scripture describes faith and testimony, I also have ingrained into my mind the Moroni voice that my trainer would use when reciting this scripture.

Silly missionary anecdotes aside, I’m grateful to have studied the military career of Captain Moroni this month in our Come Follow Me lessons. He wasn’t a prophet, like Alma or Helaman, but he’s a wonderful example of stalwart faith in action. So as we finish up Moroni’s story and the Book of Alma, I want to highlight a couple lessons learned from the Nephite captain.

A Man of Conviction

“And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.” (Alma 46:12)

The example of Alma 44:4 could be an example of this as well, but there are so many instances of Moroni demonstrating his faith and conviction as a Nephite leader. The Title of Liberty and boldly sharing his testimony, despite the opinions of the king-men, is inspirational for those of us living in the latter-days. Social media and the internet only make it easier to be intimidated by what seems to be popular opinion–even if it’s not the popular opinion, it’s usually still shouted loudly enough to seem that way. Bearing simple testimony, as Moroni did on his rent coat, can be more impactful than all the loud voices screaming on the internet.

A Man of Faith

“Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.” (Alma 48:7)

Not only did Moroni live his faith and convictions, but he taught them to his people. He was a military captain but he was also a teacher in the faith. He knew that despite the physical wars they were engaged in, the more important war was for their souls. In fact, aren’t most of the war chapters frequently taken as allegories for the spiritual warfare we face on a day-to-day basis? Decades ago, President Packer said, “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.” (General Conference, October 1986) I truly believe that if we internalize the gospel and are “trying to be like Jesus” there would be no wars (or at least fewer) and Captain Moroni’s job would have been obsolete.

A Man of Strength 

“Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:17)

I love Captain Moroni as an example of strength against the power of the devil. On my mission, we talked about being hell-shakers and I’ve thought of that often in the years since. Captain Moroni is one of the few mortal individuals in scripture or otherwise described to have faith so great to impact the adversary’s power. While becoming perfect sometimes seems unachievable (because we can’t be perfect in this life) the example of Captain Moroni gives me hope that the amount of faith to be a hell-shaker is attainable in this life. That’s a “short-term” goal I can shoot for.

A Man of Service

“Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.” (Alma 48:19)

This scripture talks about Helaman and the spiritual leaders being “no less serviceable” than Moroni, but that statement also works in reverse. Sometimes I’ve felt that I’ll never match the strength and spirituality of powerful spiritual leaders who have impacted me–Elder Holland, my mission president, and more. Stories like this help to remind me that I don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a difference in the spiritual lives of the people around me.

A Man of Passion

“And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.” (Alma 61:9)

A few years ago I wrote about Moroni’s letter to Pahoran, so I won’t rewrite that lesson here (just the link). Suffice it to say that I admire Captain Moroni’s passion for protecting his people from harm, physically and spiritually. Even when I overstep and make mistakes, they can be used for the benefit of those around me. Moroni never wanted to bully his way into getting what he wanted, but he did speak boldly and fiercely for the right. 

Heading into the fall season and the last portion of the Book of Mormon, I look forward to reading the pivotal visit of the Savior in 3 Nephi and the final lessons from Mormon and Moroni. For right now, I’ll bask in the lessons I’ve learned from the Captain himself.

How Big is Your God?

(Guest post by Spencer's dad)

Thirty-nine years ago, just after we were married, we had a High Councilman share a message that has stayed with me.   He asked three short questions.   It must have been amazing to others as well because a few months later, this brother came back and did a fireside on the same topic.    

For nearly four decades I have thought of these questions.  

Initially I was going to share in this blog post what I thought each question might mean or look like to each of us.   I won’t do that because I don’t want to limit where these questions might take you.  I will add question four, which I believe moves from theoretical to practical.

1.   How big is your God?

2.   How powerful is your God?

3.   How much do you know about Him?

4.   What difference does this God make in your life today?

Every time I ask myself these questions my pondering leads to new possibilities that I had not previously supposed.

Artist Spotlight: Rebecca Johnston

I knew her as Becca when we were freshmen together at BYU. She's still one of my best, most trusted friends with inside jokes about Narnia, Pocahontas, and her love of band. When she's not wrangling her kids, she's a pro artist, known by her full name. So without further ado, I wanted spotlight Rebecca Johnston.

Where are you from and how does that affect your work?

I’m from northern Utah. I know that many people associate Utah with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And while the gospel of Jesus Christ is the biggest influence on my work, I don’t think that’s entirely because of my physical location. I think the people living here, like my family, friends, and others, have had more of an effect on me and my work than Utah itself. 

However, the art community here has helped me grow and share my work, and it is comforting to have an audience close by that appreciates the kind of work I am most passionate about. 

Tell me about your favorite medium.

My favorite mediums are oil paint and drawing. I didn’t paint until college, so drawing was my first medium. There’s something about the way a pencil moves across the paper that I love. I also love that drawing is more portable than paint. 

I also love oil paint. I love that you can create so many interesting textures and marks, that it’s easy to push and pull her paint, and that it’s the most forgiving paint medium (in my experience). I love what you can create and convey using color! 

Where do you find inspiration?

Most everything I paint or draw has roots in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Plan of Salvation, and the doctrines of the family. These subjects are what bring purpose and meaning to my life. I particularly feel inspired after attending the temple, participating in a spiritual discussion, or receiving personal revelation. Even when drawing portraits, I know every individual has infinite worth and potential, and that each person has a story perfectly designed by God to become the best they can be. I also get a lot of inspiration from gospel artwork done by other artists. 

Though not as big of an influence, I’m also inspired by cute or beautiful things. I love soft materials, I love cute illustrations, glitter, lots of color, abstract art, etc. Even if I don’t have an interest in learning a particular skill, I admire and I’m inspired by the creativity of others.

When is your favorite time of day to create?

The best time of day for me to create is usually between 10 AM-1 PM. I’ve had to learn that through trial and error. That’s when I feel my best and when I’m most creative and productive. 

Describe how art is important to society.

Art is important to society because it can teach and share ideas and perspectives in a way that many people can relate to and understand. There are things that can’t be described with words but that can be described through art. It’s a language! 

Not only that, but the beauty and wonder we can experience with art helps provide hope, peace, and joy. It helps us notice the beauty and blessings around us. Even the act of making the art can relieve stress and allow someone to express themselves in a healthy way. It has the power to brighten our dark days. 

On a spiritual level, I love that art can help me feel closer to my Savior and feel His love for me. It has the power to connect people and help them feel less alone. 

What motivates you to create?

Honestly, creativity is a natural instinct for me. I’m ALWAYS wanting to make something. That desire isn’t limited to art either. I love crocheting, playing music, making cards, occasionally doing origami, or other crafts. 

How do you define success as an artist?

Currently, I would first define success as being happy in the process of creating, having fun just doing it. Secondarily, but not necessarily required, success means being able to create art that’s both meaningful to the artist but also connects with and helps others. And, you know, having the funds to keep creating is a good thing too. 😉

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

It definitely helps with my spirituality, which then flows into my family and other relationships. Creating art is often not mentally easy for me. It requires me to lean on the Savior, to turn to Him more than I otherwise would. He has made Himself known to me through many personal blessings related to my art and my goals. Through art, my personal testimony has been strengthened. I’ve only made it this far because of Him. 

Art also provides opportunities for me to meet people and help others in unique ways. 

How do you develop your art skills?

I have to practice and do the work. Many people think art is something that just comes naturally, but any art skills I possess have had to be honed and developed just like any other skill. In addition to painting when I can, I also continue to learn about techniques, tools, and art principles. I like the Strada Easel challenge, timed sketches, life studies, and studying the work of artists I admire. I’m grateful that whenever I experiment and practice, no effort is wasted because I always learn something. 

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

I think an integral part of the work of the artist is being authentically you instead of trying to create what and how everyone else wants you to do it. I actually wrote “paint” instead of “create” in the last sentence, but I had to learn the hard way that there are many ways of being an artist. It’s not limited to painting and drawing. If you have something creative you love, do it your way. Your mental health will thank you, and I think you’d be surprised how many people will appreciate your ideas. 

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

One of my favorite things to see is the touched response someone has when I ask to draw or paint them, or when they see the finished piece. Their smiles make me so happy. Someone once said that they’d cherish the portrait I did of them for the rest of their life. It’s exciting, humbling, and very gratifying. 

What do you dislike about the art world?

I dislike that there’s so much competition. I understand that it’s good to have others that are more skilled so that you can keep pushing yourself to learn and become better. I also understand that there is a place for excellence and that, logistically, not everyone can be celebrated all the time. But I also think the external pressure to create amazing things all the time can be suffocating and stifle creativity. 

What superpower would you have and why?

If I had a super power, it would be to apparate like they do in Harry Potter. I’m perpetually late because I underestimate the time it takes to get somewhere. Plus, if I need groceries? I can apparate. Need to take them in from the car? Apparate. Need to escape a disaster or go on vacation? Apparate! So much of my life would be easier if I could have that ability! 

Your top 3 fandoms of all time

Bluey, hands down, is my first favorite fandom. But I also enjoy Avatar: the Last Airbender (the cartoon, not as much the new stuff) and Psych. 

She did this beautiful sketch of my wife and firstborn, which I absolute adore.
--Spencer

If you're an artist (even if you're not a Latter-day Saint) and would like to be featured on our blog, send us an email to mormongeeks@gmail.com or message us on Facebook/Instagram. 

Follow Rebecca's art on Instagram and Facebook. You can also follow her crochet work on Instagram. 

The Touch of the Master's Hand

Aside from Aslan, Edmund is one of the best characters written in the Narnia series. We all can relate to him. His is the prodigal son that left his family for Turkish delights but returned repentant. Like Edmund we all make mistake and when I saw Narnia for the first time and read the books, I felt like I related to Edmund the most. I like Edmund have made mistakes, I am learning repent daily, I am happier than I have been compared to when I was sinning. I don’t regret the mistakes I have done, but I wish I learned to repent sooner, and I pray that I can be strong enough to not fall into temptations, especially those I have repented of. One way that has been strengthening my resolve is by reading the scriptures.

I am trying to learn to love the scriptures more and as I have been reading the Book of Mormon, I recently came across a new person that I haven’t noticed before, Zeezrom (Alma 11- 15). Alma and Amulek are teaching the people in Ammonihah and Zeezrom bribes Amulek to deny his belief. Amulek refuses and testifies of Jesus resurrection and judgment which astonished Zeezrom, and he began to fear for his sins. As Alma expands what Amulek testifies to the public they (Alma and Amulek) were thrown into jail. During there imprisonment many faithful saints were murdered and after Alma and Amulek were freed they found Zeezrom sick due to his iniquities. Because of Zeezrom faith he was healed and was baptized by Alma.

Even though we may feel worthless because of the actions we have made we can repent and feel loved. God won’t leave us abandoned if we try to build our testimonies and become more converted. Like Edmund we can come back to our family. I love the poem by Myra Brooks Welch, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand". 

’Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But held it up with a smile:

“What am I bidden, good folks,” he cried,

“Who’ll start the bidding for me?”

“A dollar, a dollar”; then, “Two!” “Only two?

Two dollars, and who’ll make it three?

Three dollars, once; three dollars, twice;

Going for three—” But no,

From the room, far back, a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening the loose strings,

He played a melody pure and sweet

As a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said, “What am I bid for the old violin?”

And he held it up with the bow.

“A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two?

Two thousand! And who’ll make it three?

Three thousand, once, three thousand, twice,

And going, and gone!” said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

“We do not quite understand

What changed its worth.” Swift came the reply:

“The touch of a master’s hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and scarred with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd,

Much like the old violin.

A “mess of pottage,” a glass of wine,

A game—and he travels on.

He’s “going” once, and “going” twice,

He’s “going” and almost “gone.”

But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd

Never can quite understand

The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought

By the touch of the Master’s hand.

I hope that as your read this that you can feel the touch of the Master’s hand in your life. As I have repented, as I have obeyed, I have felt strengthened, loved, and charitable. I am not a perfect instrument, but I believe in Jesus Christ, and He will help me become perfected. He has paid for our sins let us embrace his commandments to the best of our abilities.

Our Testimony to You

For Christmas this year, our team at Latter-Day Saint Geeks wanted to give you something special. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we thought it appropriate to share our testimonies as our gift to you. Merry Christmas from all of us!

Christmas has always been a special time for me. Some of my earliest memories of Christmas include traveling with my family to sing at the Washington DC Temple Visitor center. Even though I hated singing as a child (definitely not the case these days) there was something special about those experiences. I loved the lights everywhere as well as the international display of nativities. Each nativity represented a different set of people, with different clothes and features… but you know what? They all celebrated the same thing: the birth of Jesus Christ.

I know there are many secular aspects to Christmas, but I will always be grateful for the Light of the World being born that night in Bethlehem long ago. Because of Him, I am able to overcome the challenges I find myself drowning in. Because of Him I can become free from the chains with which I am all too often bound. Because of Him I have hope that someday I will be reunited with my loved ones that have passed on. I know He loves us, each of us, whether or not we believe in Him. “That Christmas night so long ago has filled my life with light because I know that He lives now as He did then, a King in Bethlehem, whose love never ends. Shine for me again, Star of Bethlehem.” 

--Paul

I love the gift giving part of Christmas. There's something special and connecting about seeing someone's reaction when they open a thoughtful gift. Or when I open a gift and realize someone knows me and sees me more than I realized. Sometimes these gifts come and I don't understand why it's being given. Like when the Pevensie children in The Chronicles of Narnia were given weapons from Father Christmas, they didn't know they were going to be heading into battle. But Father Christmas knew them better. Just like Heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves. Sometimes I struggle to understand why God has given me the life circumstances I have, but I believe He is guiding us. I believe He wants the best for us, even if we don't understand what that is. If He can place the star of Bethlehem so that its light reached Earth perfectly on the night of the Savior's birth, He can work miracles for me. 

--Spencer 

I know that the Savior of our world can touch and change hearts in ways nothing else can. I know that because that’s happened to me, and I’ve felt that change continue in me since that point. He makes me want to be better, and I want to share those feelings with others as a result. I love exploring new ideas and know that as we “seek.. out of the best books words of wisdom,” we’ll find important ideas and concepts that can continue to make the world a better place. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that gives me every reason that I have to be happy, and for that I am forever grateful.

--Garrett

When a Jedi learns about the Force, it starts off as a very simple belief in something that can't be seen. Over time, with training, and with many experiences, a Jedi's understanding of the Force becomes much more nuanced and intricate, scarred by battle, buoyed by positive experiences. Likewise, my own testimony has changed dramatically over the years. I've gone through a number of faith transitions as my experiences (both traumatic and healing) have shaped my life. I no longer make blanket "I believe" statements if I don't know something. Instead, I testify to the things that I really do know.

My testimony is not nearly as wide as it was when I was younger, but it is much much deeper than ever before. What I know, I absolutely know. So here's what I know: Heavenly Father loves me, in a way that I cannot comprehend. He wants me to be happy, regardless of the choices I make. He would do anything for me. He sent Jesus to save me. The Atonement is so much bigger than I am able to understand, yet I know that I can (and should) take advantage of the healing power of the atonement however I can. God's love is the greatest Force in the universe.

--Ryan

The Lord loves all of his children. He wants all of us to find happiness and an understanding of his true nature. To help us find our way, if we choose to, he scatters truths throughout the world. He reveals truths to those who seek it - no matter what walks of life they come from. Seeking "words of wisdom" from the "best books" serves to help us all more fully understand our own nature and the true nature of the world around us. And if we are patient and seek long enough, it leads us back to Him.

--Stephen

Christmas lights, songs and the coming of snow doesn't make me excited for Christmas, they actually make me wince internally. What does spark excitement for Christmas is when I look into the faces of children, and I get to picture their excitement when they see Christmas through the unjaded lenses of childhood. Children are at this time of year exemplars of our Savior. They give openly, they receive openly, they see everyone and everything not for what they are but for the possibilities they could be. They don't see the mistakes we've made over the years, the times we were short or tired, they see the heroes we love when we introduced them to a new fandom or reveled in one they found on their own. They see in us the best we could be just as Christ sees us.

We are told to "Be as little children" and then to "Suffer the little children to come unto me", to be humble and believing and willing to see all the wonders this world could have and to follow Him as we would a parent. This holiday season remember that despite everything else the true miracle was around a miraculous child and all he would do for the world, and that we celebrate that above everything else.

--Joe

Closing off with the words of modern-day prophets...

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.”

(D&C 76:22–24).

"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

(The Living Christ)