Hi, I'm Brad Ellis

I'm a Mormon.

About Me

I'm a 33-year-old husband to a wonderful wife. I live in Arizona and work for U.S. government. I like working out, jogging, and enjoy college football, basketball, and race car driving. I have a college degree. I am the oldest of 2 boys.

Why I am a Mormon

I've been a Mormon my whole life. Both of my parents are Mormon and they raised me in The Church. That's not why I'm Mormon though. I gained a testimony, and conviction, for myself that the Book of Mormon is true, and that this church is the true restored Church of Jesus Christ. This occurred when I was a 17-year-old high school student. I had an email pen pal and had the opportunity to share with her things about the church I had been taught all my life, such as The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. It was during this time the Holy Ghost confirmed to me that everything my parents had taught me growing up about the church was true. Ever since that time I've been an active member of The Church. I served a mission in South Carolina, USA, and have had the opportunity to serve in several capacities within The Church.

How I live my faith

I live my faith by attending church every Sunday. At church I teach 9-year-old children. Sometimes it can be a challenge, but it's worth it. I have had the opportunity to assist the full time missionaries and work with teenagers in the church. When I'm away from church on Sundays I try and live my faith in such a way that others would want to know more about this wonderful church and gospel. I do this by doing my best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

What are Mormon Temples used for?

Brad Ellis answered...

I get asked this question a lot. The answer I give is that temples are used to perform ordinances that enable us, and our ancestors, to return to the presence of God after we die. A few of these ordinances are baptisms for the dead and eternal marriage. Baptism for the dead enable our ancestors who have died without having the opportunity to be baptized receive this necessary ordinance. Also being married in the temple gives us the opportunity to be sealed to our spouses and children so that after this life we can remain together as a family and return to the presence of God. While the privilege of entering temples is reserved for worthy members of the church, the public can still have the chance to gain a glimpse into these remarkable buildings. Whenever a temple is built an open house is held prior to the temple being dedicated. It is during this time that members of the public, Mormon and non-Mormon are welcome to enter and see the inside. I encourage you to find out about possible temple open houses in your area and visit these sacred buildings. Just ask your Mormon friend.
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Corey answered...

A temple is a house of the Lord, a place where we may worship our Heavenly Father and feel of His presence. It is a sacred place where no unclean thing can enter. Because of the importance and sacredness of the temple, a temple recommend is required and is received based on individual worthiness within the church in order to enter its holy walls.

The temple is where I go to find answers, to find peace, and to feel the Spirit. We are encouraged to go as often as possible and to attend seeking Spiritual guidance. Inside we perform sacred ordinances for ourselves and more often for others, those who are deceased. God requires that all to make covenants in order to return to His presence and many died without the opportunity to make these covenants. In the temple we perform the ordinances for them in their name giving them the opportunity to reject or accept the ordinance and thus enter into the presence of the Father. The temple is a very sacred and holy place.

What do Mormons believe about family?

Bradley. answered...

The family is a key component to support us in God's plan for gaining immortality and eternal life. All of God's children (all the inhabitants that lived, are living, and will live on Earth) are inseperably connected to each other, both (physically) by our Earthly families and (spiritually) by our Heavenly Father.

Families help us to understand our divine heritage. In this, life takes on purpose and meaning. Our immortal spirits were created by our Heavenly Father before Earthly existance, and we are directly connected to Him in this way. As a spiritual family, our collective purpose on Earth is to follow the commandments of God that lead us to live in heaven with Him again.

Our spirits need to progress, learn, and grow. In order to achieve that, Earthly existance was created as our test. Our Heavenly Father knew that being exposed to opposing forces on Earth was the only way for us to gain knowledge and wisdom.

However, we will not always choose righteousness, and so our Savior, Jesus Christ, is that great mediator to pay the debt of our mistakes. He is the only way by which we can be saved from our sins and transgressions. He is the ultimate example by which direction we need to live our lives. With the support of our earthly kin, we can learn from each other, serve each other, and strengthen our mortal weaknesses by being disciples of Christ. Our families are a gift from God, and we can be together forever.