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Question

 

Dear Gramps,

The early apostles in Jesus’ day were outspoken in their belief of Jesus and his teachings. They recorded their special witnesses after his resurrection–(see acts of the apostles). Why is it that none of the current brethren talk about their special experiences of Christ in their lives and why are they not emboldened to perform as prophets, seers and revelators? In conference talks mostly stories are told, but nothing of their own conversion or personal relationship with Jesus and how it affects their witness. Each seems to simply say “I know Joseph Smith was a prophet, that Jesus is the Christ, and that this is the one true church”. All faithful Mormons say this. Nothing is special that I can see and it bothers me. They just mainly provide counsel and guidance. Thanx Gramps!

Frank

 

Answer

 

Dear Frank,

In the first place, if you were to collect all the writings of each of the early Apostles, they would comprise documents that would be about the same order of length as one of the published talks of one of the current Apostles. What is recorded in the New Testament are for the most part letters to particular individuals or to one of the congregations of the Saints that the early Apostles wrote. So it may be a stretch to judge the early Apostles as any more outspoken than the Apostles of today based on one or two letters from their entire ministries.

Secondly, the “special experiences” that the brethren have (and such special experiences are not by any means limited only to the General Authorities of the Mormon Church) are so sacred that they are generally not displayed for public consumption. The publication of such special experiences would tend to the sensationalism that is so prominent today in the various sectarian churches.

Further, testimony is not based on hearing or reading about “miraculous” events or stirring contact between the heavens and the Lord’s servants. The essential ingredients for testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ are faith in the Savior and his great atoning sacrifice and obedience to his commands.

The Book of Mormon prophet, Moroni, said it this way as recorded in Ether 12:6

And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

Let me add my own witness that the General Authorities of the Mormon Church today are in close contact with the Savior. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is HIS Church! He manages it! Miracles are as prevalent among the Lord’s servants today as they ever were in the early Church. Further, I can bear witness in my own life of experiences that are so sacred to me that I would never divulge them for public consumption. And as you continue in the faith such experiences will be yours also, and there is no doubt that you will feel about them as I do about mine.

 

Gramps

 

 

 

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