Why is the Gospel the "Good News?"

As defined by the Bible Dictionary, the word gospel means good news. (See "Gospels," Bible Dictionary) So what is the "good news," and what good news does it bring to you and I?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said that, "The good news is that death is not the end of existence and our separation from God is temporary. We have a Savior, Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, who by His Atonement has overcome death and hell..." (Full address) This "good news" is true. I know that it is. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that God has an amazing plan for our families. I don't know what greater news we could ever hear! I pray every day that someone I meet will accept our message of great tidings and glad joy.
"Although the world has troubles," said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "the gospel brings happiness and hope and eternity." Two thousand years ago, angels appeared to wise men, heralding the birth of Jesus Christ. (See Luke 2:8-14) Even today, angels continue to appear, adorned with black name tags, proclaiming the "good news." I encourage you to heed their message. (please visit mormon.org/missionaries) Have a great day, and stay classy.
Elder Hill

 

Being Men is more important than being Manly

A great friend of mine once said, "Often times we are more worried about being manly than being men." The man who said this, is 70 years old. Although you wouldn't know that by talking with him, or by knowing a little bit about what he does. Regardless of how manly he may be with his impressive military career, he is a man. A man of God.
Lehi, a Book of Mormon prophet, counselled his two oldest sons to, "Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men." (see 2 Nephi 1:21) My father fits what Lehi desired his sons so desperately to be. He knows his duty in the home, and he silently and most often without recognition, does it. I love him for that.
"Most importantly," declared D. Todd Christofferson, "when we consider the admonition to be men, we must think of Jesus Christ. When Pilate brought Jesus forth wearing a crown of thorns, he declared, “Behold the man!” (see John 19:4–5). Pilate may not have fully understood the significance of his own words, but the Lord indeed stood before the people then as He stands today—the highest ideal of manhood. Behold the man!""
Let us follow the admonition He gave in the New World, and be men. Even as He is. (see 3 Nephi 27:27) Stay classy.
Elder Hill

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten"

I love the scripture in John 3:19 that reads, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." When I was in high school, my mom watched my grades like a hawk stalking a mouse in a hay field. If they dropped below her approval, I knew about it. At the time I didn't appreciate it! But now as I look back, my mom's firm stance kept my efforts honest. The results are obvious. I'm not scared to admit my mom was right! But we'll talk about this on another occasion.
God has called prophets from the days of Adam, to speak to men the Lord's rebuke, and to explain the chastening that they often received. These moments reveal the Father's love for His children. He only wants our happiness, and if we are doing things contrary to His commandments, it cannot bring the results He wants us to have. That is why He rebukes us. That is why He chastens us. He wants us to be happy! And to stand worthy of the greatest blessings He has to offer to us. I love Him, and I have such a strong testimony of this eternal truth. Have a great day, and stay classy.
Elder Hill 

Everything God does is for our good

Hello there! It's been a while since I've posted a blog. So, better late than never! This morning I read a scripture that I just have to share with anyone who is willing to listen. In the Book of Mormon, I read in Helaman chapter 12, verse 2, "...and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people..." It came in the middle of a lengthy verse, but when I read that I had to stop and soak it in for a minute. What did Nephi, the prophet who made the remark, mean by it?
In life we can see the hand of God in the blessings we receive. But do we look for His hand in the trials we endure? Not too often. Speaking for myself, at least. As Nephi teaches, though, all things God does is for the benefit of His children. IF, and that's a big if, we will trust in Him. It says in the verse prior to this one, "we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him."
I know that everything God does, is for our good. I invite you to look at your life, in prayer, and try to point out His hand. You will find it, I promise. Trust Him. He will never forsake you. My friends, have a great day! And stay classy.
Elder Hill