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Hi I'm Charles

I grew up in a Christian home but am now a Mormon.

About Me

After many years of trying various churches, I was visited by LDS missionaries. As they shared the history of the church and Joseph Smith with me I was intrigued to say the least. I could relate to Joseph Smith's struggle and longing to find God's true church. Since my baptism I have completed Christian studies with a doctorate degree in Biblical Studies. I have found that my studies have helped build my testimony of the Church and continue to study - finding that my Heavenly Father is always revealing more to me with each study. I can testify that the Holy Spirit is real and with us just as Jesus told us he would be. His strength and comfort was revealed when a grandson died at 3 months of age and again two years later when one of our sons died. While I openly interact with others of different faiths, I am always striving to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and offer support to those facing struggles in their lives. I have been blessed with six children, twenty grandchildren, and one great grandchild. My Heavenly Father never ceases to amaze me as He leads and provides for me and my family. When facing unemployment He as always provided me with a new position - when in need of help He has sent the prefect people to be there.

Why I am a Mormon

There are many things that have led to me being a Mormon. First was my search for a church where I felt welcome. Secondly was my search for such a church that teaches from the Scriptures without personal opinions or interpretations. In my search I found so many taking only bits and pieces of the Word to fit their personal agenda. Third - has been the love and acceptance I have found within the Church and its members. My relationship with Jesus Christ and my fellow brothers and sisters is an essential part of who I am and my daily walk. The Church has been a refuge and place to renew my strength to face the trials that come my way. It is so refreshing to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being shared throughout the world and that others may have the opportunity to accept the salvation offered to all from a loving Heavenly Father. My testimony comes through many years of searching and I can say that I find peace, love, and contentment in the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. It's like being reunited with family - like coming home.

How I live my faith

I strive daily to share the Gospel with others - reflect on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ - and study the Scriptures. I am always looking for others in need of help and ready to share the love of Jesus Christ with all - regardless of their religious background.

What are some things that tell you there is a God?

Charles
As you study the Scriptures and grow in your faith and the Word, you become more attentive to the existence and power of God. Personally, I have witnessed our Heavenly Father intercede to heal friends and family members on numerous occasions; when faced with the loss of a job He has opened the door to another. When I was younger I loved to spend a winter day on the lake beholding the beauty of His creation. And in my many years of education I have studied the "Big Bang Theory" that many hold to as a basis for creation and evolution. From all of my studies, I have found that the possibility of our existence being the result of a random scientific "fluke" is impossible. Meanwhile, we see accounts emerging to support the Biblical account of creation and history. Show more Show less

What is being a Mormon like?

Charles
While the official Church answer is: One of the greatest reasons for being here on earth is to "have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25). Personal prayer, scripture study, and attending church helps us better understand that the best way to find joy and happiness in this life is to know about Our Heavenly Father's Plan of Happiness, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to strive to keep God's "law" (Proverbs 29:18). Families are an essential part of God's Plan and much of how we live focuses on our families. We want to share the happiness we enjoy with everyone we can through service, missionary work, and contributing to society. What I would add is that joy that the church answer mentions is only magnified as being a member of the LDS Church, which comes from my brothers and sisters in the church. Members display love and compassion through service - not just service within the church, but service toward others both through missions and at home. I have needed a helping hand at times on projects at home and each time all I've had to do is make a call. The love and fellowship among church members is like it is in a real loving and caring family; it is like it used to be years ago with caring neighbors. To take from Scripture, being a Mormon is "Joy unspeakable and full of glory." Show more Show less

What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Why was it necessary for Jesus Christ to sacrifice His life?

Charles
The Official Church Answer is excellent in explaining what the Atonement is and means to a child of God. What I would like to address is the question of why Jesus Christ had to sacrifice His life. First His death was necessary for the fulfillment of prophecy; Second we need to consider that part of the Scriptures in the Holy Bible that we call the New Testament. The word "testament" refers to a person's wishes that are to take place upon their death. In law, as pertaining to someone's "Last Will & Testament," the people that is making the document is referred to as the "Testator." With that in mind, the New Testament, was and is Jesus' wishes for all of mankind, and as such it was necessary for Him to die for His Testament to come into affect. Another thing we have to realize is how the sins of man were atoned for before the death of Christ. Atonement always required the shed blood of sacrifices, but it was not enduring. Jesus Christ was the Prefect Sacrificial Lamb whose blood atoned for the sins of the world - past, present, and future. We can all praise God that His only begotten Son would love us enough as to step down from His position in Heaven and give His life for us while we were yet sinners. How much more can a Father love His children? His sacrifice gave us that Atonement so we may return to live eternally with Him in Heaven. Atonement or as I have seen it written, "At-One-Ment," meaning that we can now be at one with our Heavenly Father. Show more Show less