What Good Have I Done?

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist

by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood is a foundational event in Latter-day Saint history. On May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sought divine guidance regarding the ordinance of baptism. In response to their prayer, John the Baptist appeared to them as a heavenly messenger. He laid his hands upon their heads and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, addressing them as “my fellow servants.” This priesthood authority included the keys to the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. John the Baptist also instructed them that this authority did not encompass the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which would be conferred upon them later. Following this visitation, Joseph and Oliver baptized each other in the nearby Susquehanna River. This event is detailed in Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72, found in the Pearl of Great Price.

The promises made by John the Baptist during this visitation emphasized the enduring nature of the Aaronic Priesthood. He declared that this priesthood “shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” This statement underscores the belief in the perpetual presence of this priesthood authority on the earth. Additionally, the conferred keys encompass the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 13:1.

The location of this significant event, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, exemplifies how the Lord often selects humble settings for pivotal moments in His kingdom. In this secluded area, the foundation for essential ordinances and priesthood authority was established, highlighting that divine work is centered on service rather than recognition. This principle is further emphasized in Doctrine and Covenants 14:7, which speaks of the “great and marvelous work” of the Lord.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:

   •   Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1.68-72

   •   Doctrine and Covenants 13:1: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13.1

   •   Doctrine and Covenants 14:7: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/14.7

   •   Priesthood Restoration Site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priesthood_Restoration_Site

   •   Aaronic Priesthood (Latter Day Saints): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaronic_priesthood_(Latter_Day_Saints)

Labels: Aaronic Priesthood Restoration, baptism, John the Baptist, Joseph Smith, ministering of angels, repentance

// posted by John Fisher @ February 17, 2025 0 Comments

The Power of Spiritual Momentum: A Call to Strengthen Faith and End Conflict

Moses and the burning bush. Image created by chatGPT.

Summarized by John Fisher (assisted by AI)

In his address The Power of Spiritual Momentum, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers five specific actions to help individuals build and sustain positive spiritual momentum. His message emphasizes faith, personal growth, and the importance of ending conflict in our lives. Through powerful stories, scriptural insights, and heartfelt invitations, he encourages listeners to strengthen their relationship with God and experience the blessings of spiritual progress.

Summary

President Nelson begins by acknowledging the challenges of life, including personal trials and global conflicts. He speaks of the suffering caused by war and emphasizes that, while we cannot control world events, we can control our own actions. He urges listeners to seek peace in their hearts, homes, and communities.

Using the analogy of momentum in sports, President Nelson illustrates how small actions can create lasting spiritual progress. He outlines five key actions to build and maintain positive spiritual momentum:

1. Get on the covenant path and stay there.

President Nelson emphasizes that walking the covenant path is the surest way to gain spiritual strength. The covenant path begins with baptism, where individuals make their first promise to follow Christ. Through additional sacred ordinances performed in temples, individuals deepen their commitment to God and receive divine power. Staying on the covenant path requires faithfulness to commandments, regular participation in the sacrament, and continual spiritual growth. He reassures those who may have strayed that it is never too late to return. The covenant path is the road to exaltation and eternal life, providing strength and guidance in an increasingly turbulent world.

2. Discover the joy of daily repentance.

Repentance is often misunderstood as something to be feared or delayed, but President Nelson reframes it as a joyful process of growth and renewal. He explains that repentance is not a sign of failure but an essential part of spiritual momentum. As individuals recognize their shortcomings and seek to improve daily, they draw closer to Christ, who lovingly provides healing and strength. He warns that delaying repentance allows the adversary to increase misery in our lives, whereas sincere repentance brings peace, freedom, and relief. President Nelson urges all to embrace repentance as a daily opportunity to align their lives more fully with God’s will and to experience His love in greater abundance.

3. Learn about God and how He works.

Understanding God’s character and His ways is crucial for spiritual progress. President Nelson warns that the world is filled with counterfeit philosophies and misleading messages, making it essential to seek truth directly from God through scripture study, prayer, and worship. He highlights the example of Moses, who recognized and rejected Satan’s deception because he had experienced God’s presence. The ability to discern truth comes from regular spiritual nourishment—reading the scriptures, attending church, and seeking inspiration through prayer. President Nelson urges individuals to prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring that faith is built on a firm foundation rather than worldly distractions.

4. Seek and expect miracles.

Miracles are not just events of the past; they continue today for those who exercise faith. President Nelson assures that God has not ceased to be a God of miracles, and He stands ready to bless those who believe. He recounts biblical and scriptural examples of divine intervention, from the parting of the Red Sea to Nephi retrieving the brass plates. While miracles may not always come in the way or timeframe we expect, they do happen for those who diligently seek them. He invites listeners to pray for miracles in their own lives and to trust in God’s timing. Recognizing and acknowledging God’s hand in our lives fuels spiritual momentum, reinforcing faith and trust in Him.

5. End conflict in your personal life.

One of the most powerful aspects of President Nelson’s message is his urgent plea to end personal conflicts. He calls on individuals to let go of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Whether in families, friendships, or communities, unresolved conflict can be a major obstacle to spiritual growth. Christ commanded His followers to forgive and love their enemies, even when it feels difficult or unjustified. President Nelson reminds that forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoing but about freeing oneself from the burdens of anger and pain. As Easter approaches, he invites everyone to seek reconciliation, viewing it as a meaningful way to honor the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Letting go of conflict allows for increased peace, unity, and personal spiritual progress.

Five Quotes from the Speech

1. “We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying.”

2. “If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”

3. “Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.”

4. “I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement?”

5. “God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us.”

Conclusion

President Nelson’s message is a profound call to action for all who seek spiritual growth. By embracing repentance, strengthening faith, and striving for peace, individuals can harness the power of spiritual momentum. His promise is clear: those who follow these principles will gain increased resilience, greater unity, and a stronger relationship with God. As Easter approaches, he encourages everyone to take steps toward reconciliation and faith, ensuring that they move forward with spiritual strength and purpose.

Hashtags: #SpiritualMomentum #FaithInChrist #PowerOfForgiveness #SeekMiracles #EndConflict

Reference 

Nelson, R. M. (2022, April). The power of spiritual momentum. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/04/47nelson?lang=eng

Labels: faith, forgiveness, miracles, repentance, spiritual momentum

// posted by John Fisher @ February 14, 2025 0 Comments