Travis's letter on June 27, 2013

I. LOVE. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There exists no organization like it anywhere else upon the face of the earth. The brotherhood and potential for good as found within this Church is unrivaled by any other group or structure that has ever been. Our endeavors to stave hunger, treat the sick, and rest the weary are powerful because of the brotherhood and love found herein.

 This distinguished labor and success we have undertaken is paired with an even more awe inspiring claim; that we are headed and guided by seership and revelation, and that the glorious expansion of this Church is nothing short of the very work of God as he enlarges the borders of His Kingdom. To say that we are a living church so guided is not a small matter, but makes a great deal of sense when we look at why it exists.

 I will not go into great detail about this, but it simply entails that the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ on earth has been accomplished many times since the beginning. The Lord has always revealed Himself, called prophets, and established this organized structure as part of an organized plan to reveal His eternal Gospel. Continuing revelation is the essence of it, because to say that God has ceased to reveal Himself would claim that His love is different for this generation than for those of the past. 

 His eternal attributes include unchanging love, therefore the establishment of the Church and teaching of the Gospel has been promised and fulfilled numerous times throughout history. This present, and final "dispensation" (referring to the manner in which God dispenses his truths and reveals his character) includes the promise that the Church will never again be taken from the earth, but will fill the whole earth.

 I have the great pleasure of notifying all men that this re-establishment and Restoration have occurred, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the Lord's Kingdom on earth, and the only true and living church that exists. Here we find the true receipt of the Holy Spirit, as authorized by men holding the given authority of God. This authority is central, as it is the power of God given to men for the salvation of His children. I know this authority comes from Jesus Christ, and that He lives in just the same way that His Gospel does. And this is true. 

 We went to the temple today! The Seattle Temple! I included pictures. That's why I didn't email Monday, because our preparation day was moved to Thursday instead. I really enjoyed it and I paid special attention to how the Spirit worked there for me. That's something that everybody needs to learn, is how the Spirit works through them. Doing so will enable you to receive personal revelation better, and be guided better. About learning to receive personal revelation, Elder Richard G. Scott simply said, "...it is something that will change your life." That's the truth! 

 I'll give you a clue about how to go through this learning process, and it has to do with the broadcast we all watched this Sunday :) Yes, the key seriously is to do missionary work. Here's why. As you share the Gospel with others, the Spirit WILL work through you (that's God's promise, right there). As it works through you, it's only natural that you'll get used to it, and understand the details of what happens to you and THROUGH you personally. I can give this explanation; one sure way for me to tell that the Spirit has worked through me is that after I have finished teaching or testifying, I learn something new, myself. The voice of the Spirit can recall things that I wouldn't have readily remembered, or connect doctrines AS I'M EXPLAINING that I hadn't before related. Therefore, when I testify, I am OFTEN among those who learn something new. ((This is why we're told to bear our testimony frequently. President Packer has explained, "Can't you see?! The acquiring of a testimony is found in the bearing of it!" For this reason, missionaries need not be concerned about testifying of things they don't know for sure; believing is enough to start)).

Well, I am super pressed for time. The temple trip was later in the day, and we have an early dinner appointment, so I have to go. But. I know the Church is true and I am finding the promised peace. My invitation to all is to receive it for yourself  through Christ. You will receive :) In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Love,

Elder Talbot