The Book of Mormon testifies (through the teachings of the prophet Jacob) that God created the earth and the life upon it by the power of His word.
“…By the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word.” (Jacob 4:9)
Questions:
-How many see the earth and the life on it as a creation of God?
-Does the fact that it is a fallen creation (including the people of the earth) cause some to feel that God is distant or doesn’t exist?
Latter-day Prophets, Seers, and Revelators:
“Think of our physical sustenance. It is truly heaven-sent. The necessities of air, food, and water all come to us as gifts from a loving Heavenly Father. The earth was created to support our brief sojourn in mortality. We were born with a capacity to grow, love, marry, and form families.
Marriage and family are ordained of God. The family is the most important social unit in time and in eternity. Under God’s great plan of happiness, families can be sealed in temples and be prepared to return to dwell in His holy presence forever. That is eternal life! It fulfills the deepest longings of the human soul—the natural yearning for endless association with beloved members of one’s family.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Thanks Be to God”)
Messages of the Book of Mormon 