Lesson Summary: December 22, 2013

This weeks lesson was taught by the Relief Society presidency using Elder Scott's general conference talk from October 2013 titled "Personal Strength Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ"

Sue A: Covenants

"In the Book of Mormon we read of Ammon and his brethren teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to a people who were “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people.”¹ Many of the people were converted and chose to leave behind their sinful behavior. So complete was their conversion that they buried their weapons and covenanted with the Lord that they would never use them again.²

Later, many of their unconverted brethren came upon them and began to slay them. The now-faithful people chose to succumb to the sword rather than risk their spiritual lives by taking up arms. Their righteous example helped even more people to be converted and to lay down their weapons of rebellion.^{3" (Elder Scott, October 2013}

-If you were to bury your sins, what would you bury? 

. 

-What choices have you made in your life as an alternative to breaking a covenent? How has the knowledge of the atonement given you the strength to do this?  

***Musical number -- Chiang children “Joy to the World”***

Catherine B: Strength and weaknesses 

We were led through a mental exercise:

Imagine a strength you have.  How did you earn it? What does it look like. What does it feel like?  Consider one of your weakness.  Do the same thing. What does it look like? Has it always been there?  

As you are doing this, imagine your greatest weakness transformed and it is no longer a weakness.  It has changed now. What does it look like? How does it feel? 

Catherine discussed how our weaknesses become our strengths through patterned obedience. 

"Many of us have allowed weakness to develop in our character. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we, like the Ammonites, can build spiritual fortifications between ourselves and any past mistakes that Satan attempts to exploit. The spiritual protections built around the Ammonite fathers blessed and strengthened themselves, their families, their country, and future generations. The same can be true with us" (Elder Scott, October 2013)

***Musical number:  Vocal group sang Mary's Lullaby: Marguerite H, Sinclair H,  Julia J, Nicole J, Katie S, Sara G,  Kimber G.  Accompanied by Deanne W***

Kim H: Gift of repentance

Kim discussed when she learned of repentance when investigating church, this gave her hope.

"Fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven’s children,²³ Satan’s temptations lose power in your life." (Elder Scott, October 2013)

Because your Father in Heaven loves you profoundly, the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes that strength possible. Isn’t it wonderful? Many of you have felt the burden of poor choices, and each of you can feel the elevating power of the Lord’s forgiveness, mercy, and strength. I have felt it, and I testify that it is available to each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Elder Scott, October 2013) 

Hot cider, cake and socializing followed the lesson. 

Lesson summary: December 15, 2013

Katie S. led our discussion from Chapter 24 in the Lorenzo Snow manual and we pondered how we could give of ourselves to the Savior.

“One hour’s ride … will bring us to Jerusalem. We move on and at length ascend an eminence [or hill], and gaze on the ‘Holy City,’ Jerusalem. Away to the right is Mount Zion, the city of David. Off to our left, that lofty eminence, with an aspect so barren, is the Mount of Olives, once the favorite resort of our Saviour, and the spot last pressed by His sacred feet before He ascended into the presence of His Father. These interesting historic scenes, with all their sacred associations, inspire thoughts and reflections impressive and solemn. Yes, there is Jerusalem! Where Jesus lived and taught, and was crucified, where He cried ‘It is finished,’ and bowed His head and died! We slowly and thoughtfully wind our way down the hill, … until we reach the city.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 24: Reflections on the Mission of Jesus Christ)

• What can we give the Savior?  Think about what's hard to give, it will mean so much more.

Jennilyn W., Cecily M. and Katie S. sang "In the Bleak of Midwinter" by Rossetti/Holst accompanied by Hilary M. on the piano.

"We are all dependent upon Jesus Christ, upon his coming into the world to open the way whereby we might secure peace, happiness and exaltation." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 24: Reflections on the Mission of Jesus Christ)

"May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior." President Thomas S. Monson, Christmas Devotional 2012

Lesson Summary: December 1, 2013

Kim H. taught our lesson on Service using Daughters in My Kingdom as a main resource to look at the history of service in the Relief Society as well as the spiritual strengthening effect service can have in our lives.

"Throughout the journey, as they suffered trials of illness and death, they prayed in faith for each other and comforted each other. “The love of God flowed from heart to heart,” wrote Helen Mar Whitney" (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Cleave unto the Covenants”: Exodus, Migration, and Settlement)

• Have you felt the sanctifying power of service in your community?

A prominent non–Latter-day Saint historian wrote: “That I do not accept the faith that possessed them does not mean I doubt their frequent devotion and heroism in its service. Especially their women. Their women were incredible.” (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Cleave unto the Covenants”: Exodus, Migration, and Settlement)

'With a testimony that the Relief Society had been organized by revelation,  Emmeline Wells and her counselors, Clarissa S. Williams and Julina L. Smith, were committed to preserving the principles upon which the society had been founded. In October 1913 they said:

“We do declare it our purpose to keep intact the original name and initial spirit and purpose of this great organization, holding fast to the inspired teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith when he revealed the plan by which women were to be empowered through the calling of the priesthood to be grouped into suitable organizations for the purpose of ministering to the sick, assisting the needy, comforting the aged, warning the unwary, and succoring the orphans.”

A few months earlier, this sense of purpose had led Sister Wells and her counselors to establish a motto that would become a constant reminder of the organization’s founding principles and inspired origins. They chose a scriptural declaration: “Charity never faileth.” These three words embraced the charge that the Prophet Joseph Smith had given the Relief Society sisters: to “relieve the poor” and to “save souls.”
In the past, pioneer women had practiced charity for close neighbors. Now Relief Society sisters would organize themselves to extend charity, “the pure love of Christ,” to worldwide neighbors as well.' (Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society, “Charity Never Faileth”)

...as we serve we grow. President George Albert Smith taught, “It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give.”
Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence. Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others.
The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing us by.
Stretching our souls in service helps us to rise above our cares, concerns, and challenges. As we focus our energies on lifting the burdens of others, something miraculous happens. Our own burdens diminish. We become happier. There is more substance to our lives. (2006 October General Conference, Faith, Service, Constancy, Sat. Morning Session - David S. Baxter)

Lesson Summary: November 24, 2013

Miriam D led a spiritual discussion using President Uchtdorf's recent conference talk "Come Join with Us".

I am reminded of a time in the Savior’s life when many abandoned Him. Jesus asked His twelve disciples:  

“Will ye also go away? 

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Once there was a man who dreamed that he was in a great hall where all the religions of the world were gathered. He realized that each religion had much that seemed desirable and worthy.  

He met a nice couple who represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and asked, “What do you require of your members?”  

“We do not require anything,” they replied. “But the Lord asks that we consecrate all.” 

The couple went on to explain about Church callings, home and visiting teaching, full-time missions, weekly family home evenings, temple work, welfare and humanitarian service, and assignments to teach.  

“Do you pay your people for all the work they do?” the man asked.  

“Oh, no,” the couple explained. “They offer their time freely.”  

“Also,” the couple continued, “every six months our Church members spend a weekend attending or watching 10 hours of general conference.”  

“Ten hours of people giving talks?” the man wondered.  

“What about your weekly church services? How long are they?”  

“Three hours, every Sunday!”  

“Oh, my,” the man said. “Do members of your church actually do what you have said?”  

“That and more. We haven’t even mentioned family history, youth camps, devotionals, scripture study, leadership training, youth activities, early-morning seminary, maintaining Church buildings, and of course there is the Lord’s law of health, the monthly fast to help the poor, and tithing.”  

The man said, “Now I’m confused. Why would anyone want to join such a church?”   

The couple smiled and said, “We thought you would never ask.” (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Miriam asked: Why would anyone join such a church?  
What is it that attracted you (in the beginning) to the church?

The following people shared their testimonies:
The sister missionaries shared that the concept of families being forever attracts investigators. 
Monique A discussed how the plan of salvation gave her peace. 
Karen B shared how the spirit testified to her.
Nettie W, Beth D and Kim H also shared their testimonies. 

First, this Church was restored in our day by Jesus Christ Himself. Here you will find the authority to act in His name—to baptize for the remission of sins, to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to seal on earth and in heaven.  

Those who join this Church love the Savior Jesus Christ and they wish to follow Him. They rejoice in the knowledge that God speaks to mankind again. When they receive sacred priesthood ordinances and make covenants with God, they can feel His power in their lives. When they enter the holy temple, they sense they are in His presence. When they read the holy scriptures and live the teachings of His prophets, they grow closer to the Savior they love so much. (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

 D&C 84: 18-22 

18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.
19 And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.
20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; (Doctrine and Covenants, Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84)

In this Church that honors personal agency so strongly, that was restored by a young man who asked questions and sought answers, we respect those who honestly search for truth. It may break our hearts when their journey takes them away from the Church we love and the truth we have found, but we honor their right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience, just as we claim that privilege for ourselves. (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes.  

In the title page of the Book of Mormon we read, “And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.” (2013 October General Conference, Come, Join with Us, Sat. Morning Session - By  Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Miriam ended the discussion with the 11th Article of Faith

 11 We claim the ^aprivilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the ^bdictates of our own ^cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them ^dworship how, where, or what they may.

THANKS MIRIAM FOR THE WONDERFUL DISCUSSION

Lesson Summary: November 17, 2013

Sara G. guided us through this week's lesson on Chapter 23: The Prophet Joseph Smith in the Lorenzo Snow manual.  Her deep admiration for the prophet Joseph shone through.

“I knew Joseph Smith to be an honest man, a man of truth, honor and fidelity, willing to sacrifice everything he possessed, even life itself, as a testimony to the heavens and the world that he had borne the truth to the human family.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 23: The Prophet Joseph Smith)

President Snow was the last prophet of the Church to have personally known Joseph Smith.  His first meeting was at the invitation of family members to a meeting in a bowery when President Snow was about 18 years old.

"I made a critical examination as to his appearance, his dress, and his manner as I heard him speak. His remarks were confined principally to his own experiences, especially the visitation of the angel, giving a strong and powerful testimony in regard to these marvelous manifestations." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 23: The Prophet Joseph Smith)

"There are many people in the world who possess an extraordinary spirit of friendship and warmth that everyone feels who meets them. I have met many such men, but never yet have I met another person in whose company I felt the peculiar and powerful influence that I felt while in the presence of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was due to the great portion of the Spirit of God that he possessed, merely the shake of his hand would cause a person to become filled with this influence, and any sensitive nature would know that he was shaking the hand of an extraordinary person." (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 23: The Prophet Joseph Smith)

"In the integrity of my heart, with honesty of purpose to know the truth, I received [Joseph Smith’s] message—I obeyed this form of doctrine, and I received, in the most tangible and satisfactory manner, a divine manifestation—the promised blessing—a knowledge of this work. Am I the only witness? ... Are you also witnesses?"  (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 23: The Prophet Joseph Smith)

President Snow's experience and testimony were accompanied by three of our sister's testimonies.  We heard from Alison F., Colette T. and Randi B.

Lesson Summary: November 10, 2013

Katie T. led our discussion of Chapter 21: Loving God More Than We Love the World in the Lorenzo Snow manual.

Using different photos, Katie likened being limited physically to see clearly, and spiritual blindness when focusing on the wrong priorities.

• 1. What is it about worldliness that leads people to forget their religion? 

We miss the mark and get focused on other things, we forget about the essential reason we are here.

• How can we take care of our temporal needs without being overcome by worldliness?

Listening to the prophets can be key in overcoming temptations and the buzz of the world.
Being honest on where your heart is and not making excuses.

• 2. How can our love for God help us avoid being overcome by worldliness? 

It's a battle, but through our love of God and evaluating where your heart is, we recognize our motivation. Be careful of the pride cycle, sometimes prosperity can be a trial of faithfulness. Focus outward by serving others.

• 3. President Snow taught that we have covenanted to “use our time, talent and ability for the upbuilding of the kingdom of God upon the earth”. Think about what you can do to keep this covenant.

• 4. In what ways can the following truths help us keep our covenants? “This world is short compared with eternity.” No one can “really and truly call any of this world’s goods his own.”

Lesson Summary November 3, 2013

Heather C lead a wonderful discussion around the general conference talk "Do We Know What We Have?" by Carole M. Stephens, first counselor in the general relief society presidency. 

This past week, have you come across something you needed to do but couldn't do?
How do the ordinances and covenants empower/enable us in our daily lives?

These priesthood ordinances and covenants provide access to the fulness of the blessings promised to us by God, which are made possible by the Savior’s Atonement. They arm sons and daughters of God with power, God’s power,⁸ and provide us with the opportunity to receive eternal life—to return to God’s presence and live with Him in His eternal family.

What covenants have we participated in?
- Baptism

We need baptism. When we are immersed in the waters of baptism, we covenant to take Christ’s name upon us, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end, that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.²

-Confirmation
We need the gift of the Holy Ghost. Through that ordinance, we can have access to the constant companionship of the Spirit. President Wilford Woodruff taught: “Every man or woman that has ever entered into the church of God and been baptized for the remission of sins has a right to revelation, a right to the Spirit of God, to assist them in their labors, in their administrations to their children, in counseling their children and those over whom they are called upon to preside. The Holy Ghost is not restricted to men, nor to apostles or prophets; it belongs to every faithful man and woman, and to every child who is old enough to receive the gospel of Christ.”³
Personal stories:
*Hilary M. shared how the Holy Ghost reminds her to be become a better person. She tells of the time she returned home from her mission and how the Holy Ghost comforted her and reminder her to love others and have charity.  
*Tori G. shared a story about a rigorous youth trek. She explained how she was strengthened during a physically weak moment by the Holy Ghost and was able to immediately feel greater strength. 

-Sacrament
We need the opportunity to renew our covenants each week as we partake of the sacrament. Latter-day prophets and apostles have taught that when we worthily partake of the sacrament, we can renew not only our baptismal covenant but “all covenants entered into with the Lord.”⁷

-Endowment
We need to receive the temple endowment. Elder M. Russell Ballard said: “When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. … The endowment is literally a gift of power.”⁴
*Strengthened us in times of loneliness

-Sealing
We need the sealing ordinance, which leads to eternal life, “the greatest of all the gifts of God.”⁵ This priesthood ordinance is received only by a man and a woman together. Elder Russell M. Nelson taught, “Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally.”⁶

Conclusion:
Jesus Christ is the one who makes our covenants valid. His love makes us want to be better. Try hard. Keep growing and keep going.

Thank you Heather for the wonderful lesson!

Fall 2013 Retreat: What Desirest Thou

We took time to feed our bodies, minds and souls on October 18th.

The evening opened with tasty beverages and a variety of hearty fall soups, breads and salads, while sisters could also peruse the Create Gallery showcasing our creative energies.  Lovely piano music accompanied all the cheerful conversation.

After dinner we met with song and inspiration on our topic "What Desirest Thou" by April F.

Considering our heart's desires and finding ways to realize them with break out groups to brainstorm how to make your desire a reality.

Before dessert there was a skit by Colette and her crew on the stage.

There was an opportunity to try you hand at card making with washi tape.

Even the young women got into the act with a few photo bombs by the end of the night.

Lesson Summary: October 27, 2013

Catherine B. led our discussion on Elder Neil L. Anderson's talk "Power in the Priesthood" from the October 2013 General Conference.  A great supplement to this talk and subject is Elder Boyd K. Packer's talk "What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government" and his April 2010 talk "Power of the Priesthood".

"A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room, but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings."  (Power in the Priesthood - By  Neil L. Andersen (2013 October General Conference)


                            Partnering with Priesthood Power

What
Heavens have borne record regarding what the priesthood is and is not.

•“Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He would do if He were present.” [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]
•“Priesthood is the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls.” [Bednar, “Powers of Heaven”, 4/12]
•celestial power gifted to a telestial world to elevate the experience

Who
•“The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all—men, women, and children.” [Apostle Anderson, GC, 10/13]

How is Priesthood power realized for women?

Ordination
confers
AUTHORITY
⇓
Permission

Worthiness
confers
POWER
⇓
Spiritual Capacity

“Righteousness is the qualifier … to invite priesthood power into our lives.” Sister Linda K. Burton, BYU Women's Conference

“In the ordinances … the power of godliness is manifest.” [D&C 84:20]

"As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises of the world ahead." [Anderson 10/13]

Ordinances ⇒ Covenants ⇒ Power ⇒ Light

          wherever you are on your path of discovery      |     questions for contemplation

1. Others Centered – in what ways do you participate in blessing others?

• Inherent in “what” is that Priesthood power designs only to bless others

"A priesthood holder is expected to exercise this sacred authority in accordance with God’s holy mind, will, and purposes. Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people."  [Bednar, “Powers of Heaven”, 4/12]

• Understanding of workings is magnified through experience w/ service

2. Active – how do you make Priesthood power active in your daily experience?

• Apostle Bednar lament

Attribute       Women            Men
Access          constant           requires engagement
Strength        varies               varies

"My message ...to all is that we can live every hour “blessed by the strength of priesthood power,” whatever our circumstance." [Anderson 10/13]

“One breaks the priesthood covenant by transgressing commandments—but also by leaving undone his duties. Accordingly, to break this covenant one needs only to do nothing” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 497).

"The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be." [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]

3. For Everyone – harnessing the globe with Priesthood power to bless others?

“We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations.” [Packer, “Power of the Priesthood”, 4/10]



How is this power manifest to you?
How do I firmly affix the priesthood in my home?

Lesson Summary: October 20, 2013

Katie S. delivered the lesson from Chapter 20 of the Lorenzo Snow Manual, The Kingdom of God Moves Forward.

video

“In the large corridor leading into the celestial room, I was walking several steps ahead of grand-pa when he stopped me and said: ‘Wait a moment, Allie, I want to tell you something. It was right here that the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to me at the time of the death of President Woodruff. He instructed me to go right ahead and reorganize the First Presidency of the Church at once and not wait as had been done after the death of the previous presidents, and that I was to succeed President Woodruff.’
“Then grand-pa came a step nearer and held out his left hand and said: ‘He stood right here, about three feet above the floor. It looked as though He stood on a plate of solid gold.’
“Grand-pa told me what a glorious personage the Savior is and described His hands, feet, countenance and beautiful white robes, all of which were of such a glory of whiteness and brightness that he could hardly gaze upon Him.
“Then [grand-pa] came another step nearer and put his right hand on my head and said: ‘Now, grand-daughter, I want you to remember that this is the testimony of your grand-father, that he told you with his own lips that he actually saw the Savior, here in the Temple, and talked with Him face to face.’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 20: The Kingdom of God Moves Forward)

“The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” - Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:540.

• What do you do in the face of persecution or trials?

"So it has been and so it ever will be with us. Notwithstanding our difficulties may appear very great, yet there will be means provided for our escape if we ourselves perform the duties incumbent upon us as the children of God. But it may become necessary in the future—and this is the point I wish to make—for some of the Saints to act the part of Esther, the queen, and be willing to sacrifice anything and everything that is required at their hands for the purpose of working out the deliverance of the Latter-day Saints.
First we should know that we are the people of God. … It is our business to step forward as did Esther, and be willing to risk all for the salvation of the people. In undertaking her task, Esther said, “If I perish, I perish.” [See Esther 4:3–16.] … But the people of God will not perish. There will always be a ram caught in the thicket for their deliverance [see Genesis 22:13]. …" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 20: The Kingdom of God Moves Forward)

" and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? " (Esther 4:14)

• How can I build up the Kingdom of God?

"This is the Church of Jesus Christ. God will not allow His Church to drift from its appointed course or fail to fulfill its divine destiny..... "I am reminded of a time in the Savior’s life when many abandoned Him.¹⁰ Jesus asked His twelve disciples:

“Will ye also go away?

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”¹¹

There are times when we have to answer the same question. Will we also go away? Or will we, like Peter, hold fast to the words of eternal life?

If you seek truth, meaning, and a way to transform faith into action; if you are looking for a place of belonging: Come, join with us!

If you have left the faith you once embraced: Come back again. Join with us!

If you are tempted to give up: Stay yet a little longer. There is room for you here.

I plead with all who hear or read these words: Come, join with us. Come heed the call of the gentle Christ. Take up your cross and follow Him.¹²

Come, join with us! For here you will find what is precious beyond price."  - "Come, Join with Us" By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

October 2013 General Conference memes

All from lds.org, click the image to go to the talk.

                 

Lesson Summary: September 29, 2013

Brother T. led a discussion about the Lords perfect law of love.
We were given a hand-out with scriptures and questions, and then we split into 10 small groups.  

Pondering on the following 33 versus of scripture (see below), consider the following questions:  

1) What do you understand about our Lord’s perfect law of love?  

2)   In the light of the Lord’s perfect law of love, with as much detail as you are willing to imagine and hope for, describe what your personal family life, our church community life, local community life, and perhaps world community life would be like if each of us lived His perfect law of love perfectly?  Is what you are imaging what you really want (Mosiah 18:11)? What are you willing to do (in your life, this week, today?)  to bring it to pass?  (Why are these questions so hard to answer?)

3) To what degree does your moment-to-moment understanding of our Lord’s perfect law of love determine your willingness to invite others to enjoy the fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ? 

John, Chapter 15, New Testament

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

 4 ^aAbide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

 5 I am the ^avine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without ^bme ye can do nothing.

 6 If a man ^aabide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

 7 If ye ^aabide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ^bask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 8 Herein is my Father ^aglorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

 9 As the Father hath ^aloved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

 10 If ye ^akeep my commandments, ye shall abide in my ^blove; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your ^ajoy might be full.

 12 This is my commandment, That ye ^alove one another, as I have ^bloved you.

Mosiah, Chapter 18, Book of Mormon

 7 And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did ^ateach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord.

 8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are ^adesirous to come into the ^bfold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

 9 Yea, and are ^awilling to mourn with those that ^bmourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as^cwitnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the ^dfirst resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

 10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being ^abaptized in the ^bname of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a ^ccovenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

 11 And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.

 12 And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart.

 13 And when he had said these words, the ^aSpirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having ^bauthority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a^ccovenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the ^dfoundation of the world.

 14 And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were ^aburied in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.

 15 And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second time into the water, and baptized him according to the first, only he did not bury ^ahimself again in the water.

 16 And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon; and they were in number about two hundred and four souls; yea, and they were ^abaptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the ^bgrace of God.

 17 And they were called the church of God, or the ^achurch of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church.

 18 And it came to pass that Alma, having ^aauthority from God,^bordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to ^cteach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

 19 And he commanded them that ^athey should ^bteach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.

 20 Yea, even he commanded them that they should ^apreach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.

 21 And he commanded them that there should be no ^acontention one with another, but that they should look forward with ^bone eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts ^cknit together in unity and in love one towards another.

 22 And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the ^achildren of God.

 23 And he commanded them that they should observe the ^asabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.

 24 And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained ^ashould ^blabor with their own hands for their support.

 25 And there was ^aone day in every week that was set apart that they should ^bgather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to ^cassemble themselves together.

 26 And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the ^agrace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the ^bknowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God.

 27 And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, ^aevery one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given.

 28 And thus they should impart of their ^asubstance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.

 29 And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and they did ^awalk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants.

 30 And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea, by the ^awaters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall ^bsing to his praise forever.