I had a wonderful opportunity yesterday to share the restoration again with one of our new investigators. It was such a powerful experience and the spirit was so strong. As we were focusing on teaching about the authority and how important it was when Christ was on the earth, we were able to share one of the most important parts of the restoration and that was explaining about the atonement! It was truly amazing, we then lead into the restoration. Teaching about the experience of Joseph never gets old. Each time, that lesson is accompanied by the spirit and I love the feeling that fills the room. It's so hard to see people reject the invite to be baptized, but that is why we are so blessed to leave them with the Book of Mormon so they can find out for themselves that these things are true! Just as each one of us has done.
As I was thinking about how important the words are of the restoration I always start to think more about how important the atonement is and how it gives us the ability to stand strong even when times are hard. I love how Jacob explains in 2 Nephi 9 about the atonement, the effects of sin, and the wisdom of our Father in the atonement and how the atonement rescues us of the effects of sin. But He gives a great explanation in verse 3 "Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children." I love how he says I speak unto you these things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever...That is the blessing of the atonement. I love being able to know that even when people dont want to hear the message or reject baptism. I'm so greatful to have the blessing of the atonement so that I may never have to let my head hang down. I love the blessings of the atonement and the strength I receive from it in the Book of Mormon.
Love you all,
Gary
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