"Introduction," Ensign, Oct 2010
Special Issue
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
"How far is heaven?" asks President Thomas S. Monson. "I testify that in the holy temples it is not far at all-for it is in these sacred places that heaven and earth meet and our Heavenly Father gives His children His greatest blessings."
See "Blessings of the Temple," page 13.
Front: photograph of Salt Lake Temple by Craig Dimond; back: photograph of Salt Lake Temple doorknob by John Luke
Welcome! You've probably already noticed that something is different about this issue of your magazine.
More than a year ago, the decision was made to revise Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a booklet that discusses temple worship in the Church and highlights temples around the world. The booklet was out of print in some languages, and members were asking how they could get a copy. Rather than reprint a booklet that did not contain a message from President Thomas S. Monson and ignored the scores of temples that have been built since the last edition was printed, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles approved the creation of an updated edition.
This new edition has some of what appeared in earlier editions, but it also contains new items that will help more readers-including youth and children-better understand why the temple is so important in our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness.
In the past the temples booklet was available only through Church Distribution Services. This time, to get the booklet into as many homes as possible, it is being sent to all Liahona and Ensign subscribers. Additional copies-in many languages-will also be available through Distribution Services in the near future.
Home teachers and visiting teachers will note that messages from the First Presidency and Relief Society are missing from this issue. You can meet the needs of those you visit by prayerfully selecting and sharing a message from within these pages. The article by President Thomas S. Monson would be a good choice for many families.
Please note as well that inside the back of this wraparound cover is a song that can be used in Primary.
Temple worship lies at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We're pleased to offer this issue in the hope that it will bring comfort, direction, and inspiration to families and individuals trying to understand, practice, and share with others this fundamentally important doctrine and divinely mandated practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Is there a particular verse, insight, or story from the Book of Mormon that has influenced you? What experience or understanding did you gain as a result of that particular scripture? Please share your experience or testimony of a Book of Mormon scripture by e-mailing it to ensign@ldschurch.org.
Words and music: Janeen Jacobs Brady, b. 1934. © 1987 by Janeen Jacobs Brady. Arrangement: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938. © 2009 by Janice Kapp Perry. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use.
Simply
"I Lived in Heaven," Ensign, Oct. 2010, inside back cover
1. I lived in heaven a long time ago, it is true;
Lived there and loved there with people I know. So did you.
Then Heav'nly Father presented a beautiful plan,
All about earth and eternal salvation for man.
2. Father said He needed someone who had enough love
To give His life so we all could return there above.
There was another who sought for the honor divine.
Jesus said, "Father, send me, and the glory be Thine."
3. Jesus was chosen, and as the Messiah He came,
Conquering evil and death through His glorious name,
Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be-
Home in that heaven where Father is waiting for me.
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