Cruising Altitude

Yesterday while flying to Orlando for work, I had a unique experience. I knew my day was going to busy up to getting to the airport so I decided that I would do my scripture reading on the plane. It was going to be a 4 hour flight and I had plenty of time. I have been studying the attributes of Christ found in Preach My Gospel. This course of study has actually been a year+ project. After doing in-depth research in the topical guides of each quality, I decided I need to read each set of scriptures to see if I missed anything. Hence, I am now deeply engrossed in Paul's teachings in the New Testament. As a side note, I absolutely love the New Testament! I have learned so much about becoming like Christ and the church in the early days. A powerful resource that I hadn't previously recognized. All of this helped me on yesterday's flight.

After finishing my studying of the day, which happened to be Hebrews, the gentlemen next to me asked if I was teaching a Bible study course. I replied no and that it was my own personal study. That I was focusing on the attributes of Christ in the New Testament. He asked what religion I was and I told him LDS. He had a bit of shocked look on his face and then proceeded to ask me questions about our faith. President Monson once said, "When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past." I felt like this. The time for preparation had passed but I was very greatly for the timely messages at conference and for my recent study of the Bible.

The gentleman asked what I thought was the main difference between Mormonism and other Christian churches. What immediately came to mind is what Elder Holland talked about with the Trinity. I explained and was able to use example from the Bible about believing Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings. He brought up eternal marriage and polygamy. I was to explain our beliefs on both subjects. I felt we had a great discussion and I was able to use the Bible to support my beliefs.

He then asked about the Book of Mormon and explained his difficulty with it being a historical document versus a spiritual work and companion to the Bible. I asserted that it isn't a historical document. That it is a testimony of Jesus Christ and IS a companion to the Bible. He then asked if the Book of Mormon is another work don't you think other books would be found? I told him I completely agreed and believed that many books have been lost. Once again I was able to reference Paul's writing to the Corinthians and how Paul refers to a letter not included in Bible. He wasn't familiar with that and I was grateful for that knowledge.

Then he referenced Revelations and how nothing should be added to it. I countered that the Bible wasn't even a complete work until later times and talked about Tyndale and other early writers (thank you General Conference and BYUtv's recent documentary!). We then continued about developing a personal relationship with Christ and discussed charity and baptism and other personal elements. It was really a great conversation. He thanked me and I was pleased that I had the background to answer his questions.

I travel periodically for work and have decided that I need to do some scripture studying on every flight. It is a great way to begin conversations and testify of Christ. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to clear up any misunderstandings about our religion and engage in a friendly discussion about developing a personal relationship with Christ.