The issue of religion is not about my religion verses your religion. It’s about the truth. When Christ was on the earth, He taught the truth and that truth came forth from His hand as if it were a beautiful mirror that was suspended by twelve ropes. But people would not believe Him. So they crucified Him and then one by one they killed the apostles. As each apostle was killed, one of the ropes of truth were cut. As the last one was severed, the mirror fell and crashed against the ground, shattering into a thousand pieces. People ran to pick up a piece of the beautiful mirror. When they ran away, each began teaching the piece of truth they had. As time traveled on, the doctrines of truth became altered by man. Today, almost 2000 years later, there are over 3000 different religions, all teaching different doctrines and no one can decide what is the actual truth.

Through that time period, the world became intolerant of truth. The leaders were set in their ways and their hearts and minds were closed. Anyone who believed or wanted to believe differently then they believed, was persecuted. Often to death. A doctrine and practice totally contrary to the teachings of Christ. Ironically, "Christian" churches spearheaded the persecution. But in order to restore the beautiful mirror as Christ once had it and enable the followers to have a chance to survive, a free country had to emerge. One that espoused freedom of speech and religion.

The discovery of America is foretold in the Book of Mormon (1^st Nephi 13). Christopher Columbus made his discovery in 1492. In 1611 the Bible was translated into English so the common man could read it for himself. In 1620, just nine years later, 98 seekers of freedom landed at Plymouth rock to begin a new country–under God. As the country grew under the government of England, the need to be free became stronger until in 1776, when independence was declared. Independence was won in 1783. Joseph Smith was born in our new and free country in 1805. Just 22 years later. With the war of 1812, where the Americans defeated the British Navy, America was recognized as a real and free country. That war ended in 1815. Just five years later in 1820, Joseph Smith read a passage in James, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..."(James 1:5).

In a grove of trees, later to be called "The Sacred Grove" Joseph Smith received his first vision and the Lord, Jesus Christ, began the restoration of His once beautiful mirror. In 1829, the Book of Mormon was translated. A history of the Lord’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of this continent, fulfilling the passage in the Bible when Christ said, "Other sheep I have that are not of this fold..." (John 10:16). In 1830, the restoration of the beautiful mirror was complete and it once again is suspended by twelve ropes that hang from the hands of the Lord. That mirror stands as a beacon, an ensign unto all nations, kindred and tongues, that Christ lives. That He true Church is once more upon the earth, here for the seeker to find and He beckons all to come unto Him, The Great Jehovah, even Jesus the Christ. Today, people around the world are flocking to the light of His beautiful mirror. As they come, His true light permeates their lives. Now He stands and shines His true light toward you. ...Which way will you go?

                                                                   Samuel    www.LDSCOPS.com

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