To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom

What a beautiful white Christmas we had here on Christmas Morning in the Chuuk Zone.  

 We are reminded from the Book of Mormon that our baptism is a covenant to “stand as witnesses of God [and His kingdom] at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life”

 Nephi taught that we follow Jesus by keeping Heavenly Father’s commandments: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?” (2 Ne. 31:10)

Last week this beautiful mom got married and this week baptized.  What a wonderful Christmas indeed. 

 We will receive “a mighty change … in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.” We will keep our “covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things … all the remainder of our days” (Mosiah 5:2, 5).

The Book of Mormon teaches, “Unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved” (2 Ne. 31:16). With these baptisms Chuuk finishes off the year with 104 baptisms for 2012, the entire mission finishes with 391 thus far.  What a year!  2013 Goal is 500 baptisms - pray for all people searching for the truth and light.

When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life. By choosing to be in His kingdom, we separate not isolate ourselves from the world. We pray that each of us as members of His kingdom will understand that our baptism and confirmation is the gateway into His kingdom. When we enter, we covenant to be of His kingdom forever! In the name of Jesus Christ.