The Best Book On Earth,( The BOM )

 I'm honored to have the love and support of so many friends and family today, especially those not of my faith. I have been asked to speak on the keystone of our religion, the Book of Mormon. My remarks today are based on those of Elder Craig C. Christensen, in his address “A Book with a Promise.” In the 8th Article of faith, we assert that we believe the Bible to be the word of God. As Elder Craig C. Christensen points out. "Being able to read many of the Savior’s words as He taught the gospel during His earthly ministry strengthens us, helps us come to know Him, and teaches us that we can become more like Him.” We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. We then declared that, like the Bible, the Book of Mormon is additional evidence that God loves all of His children and has provided a way for us to return and live with Him once again."In the oft over-looked Title Page, the prophet Nephi states that the Book of Mormon is a record of the People of Nephi, and also the Lamanites. These were ancient inhabitants of the Americas, brought over from Jerusalem around the year 600 BC. Upon coming to this land, Nephi was commanded to keep a record, both of things spiritual and temporal. This record was maintained for hundreds of years, until the Nephites were ultimately destroyed because of their wickedness. Nephi states that the Book was written by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Indeed, every aspect of the Book of Mormon is riddled with Prophets. It was written by Prophets, like Alma, Nephi, Mosiah, and Moroni. It was compiled by the Prophet Mormon, and hidden away by his son, Moroni. It was brought forth, and translated by the Prophet, Joseph Smith Jr., who restored the Church in these the latter days. In days long past, it was forseen by Prophets, like Isiah and Ezekial, and today, it is testified of by Prophets, like Thomas S. Monson, the current President of the Church.The Book of Mormon begins with a purpose. To show the remnants of the House of Israel the great things that God has done for them, to remind them of the covenants they made with the Lord, and to testify to everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, that Jesus is the Christ, manifesting himself unto all nations. Just like The Bible is a the Testimony of Israel, and the descendants of Judah, the Book of Mormon is the testimony of the Americas, and of Ephraim, a tribe of the House of Israel. It's existence alone is a testimony of our Heavenly Father. He remembers us, his children, wherever they may be in the world, 200 years before Christ, or 2000 years after him, and He loves us.This means that the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day. Nephi, the first man to write in the Book of Mormon, was aware early on that his people, the Nephites, would be destroyed because of their unbelief. He knew, as did all the other men who wrote in it's pages, that the Book of Mormon was for us. In a way so characteristic of our Heavenly Father's plan, the Book of Mormon was written for all of us, and each of us individually. Mormon, in compiling these writings, was shown in a vision not only the challenges and struggles that would face us as a Church, but the problems that would face Dave Fuhriman. The problems that would face Zchon Jones. The problems that would face Walter Skowhede. The problems that would face you, and me. And with your name and situation fixed in his mind, he was inspired to carefully choose what to include accordingly.His son, Moroni ends the Book of Mormon with a promise. In the final chapter, he boldly declares: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” This promise serves as a profound foundation for EVERYTHING contained within the Book of Mormon. It is a footnote for every chapter, and every verse. If for a moment you have doubts, or do not understand what you have just read, pray. The Lord has no desire to keep you in the dark.The Prophet Joseph Smith adds to this promise. He testifies that “the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”Ezra Taft Benson, another Modern-Day Prophet states that“When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. These promises—increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, increased spirituality and righteousness—these are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God” Finally, It is filled with the truth. The Book of Mormon is filled with many plain, and precious truths, even a fullness of the Gospel. It illustrates in simple terms the great plan of Happiness, a plan devised for our spiritual growth and salvation. It expands our understanding of our first parents, Adam and Eve, and the consequences of their decision in the Garden. It further testifies of the Atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and shares with us the hope that comes from His resurrection. The crowning event of the Book of Mormon is the personal appearance and ministry of the Savior himself. In a single page, Christ teaches us that He was born, that He atoned for our sins, that He was crucified and then raised from the Dead. He teaches us that if we have faith, if we repent, if we are baptized in His name, and if we endure to the end, we have a part in that great promise, even the promise of Eternal life.That, brothers and sisters, is the message I leave with you today. That is the message I take with me to Ghana,  and the message that we, as members of the Church, promised to take to the world.To those who have not yet, I urge you, friends... read the Book of Mormon. I know it to be true. It is a book with a purpose, to remind you that you are the child of a loving Heavenly Father. It is a book with a promise, that He is there to guide you. It is a book, filled with the truth. That Jesus is the Christ. He lives. He remembers you, and loves you. And, while it will be hard at times, with His help, you can make it through anything.To those of you who have, in the spirit of Missionary work, I issue you a challenge. Share the Book of Mormon. Put a quote on your facebook page. Leave a copy in the reception room of your businesses. Download it on to your i-Pod. Take it to those you home teach, to your neighbors, your co-workers and friends.As Ezra Taft Benson once said, we must flood the world with the Book of Mormon. “We have the Book of Mormon, translated into [100] different languages. We have the members. Our numbers are quickly approaching almost 15 million. We have the missionaries. [53,000] young men and women, who love the Lord. We have the resources, and the world has a need. The time is now.”We cannot know the power of the Book of Mormon to bring souls unto the Lord.I promise that as you do, Brothers and Sisters, your lives will be blessed, and you will bless the lives of those around you.I say these things, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.