Taking the Gospel to All the World - May 1, 2016

Miriam D.  led our discussion using Chapter 8: Taking the Gospel to All the World from the Howard W. Hunter manual.

It is in understanding and accepting this universal fatherhood of God that all human beings can best appreciate God’s concern for them and their relationship to each other. This is a message of life and love that strikes squarely against all stifling traditions based on race, language, economic or political standing, educational rank, or cultural background, for we are all of the same spiritual descent. We have a divine pedigree; every person is a spiritual child of God.

In this gospel view there is no room for a contracted, narrow, or prejudicial view. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.” (Taking the Gospel to All the World)

“The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to bring about love, unity, and brotherhood of the highest order,” he said. (Taking the Gospel to All the World)

Miriam brought up a quote from a book that saw deep feelings emerge as a friendship grew between a successful art dealer and a homeless man.
“You was the onlyest person that looked past my skin and past my meanness and saw that there was somebody on the inside worth savin...We all has more in common than we think. You stood up with courage and faced me when I was dangerous, and it changed my life. You loved me for who I was on the inside, the person God meant for me to be, the one that had just gotten lost for a while on some ugly roads in life.”
― Ron Hall, Same Kind of Different as Me

We need to battle the 'walls' we build in our own mind that slow us in sharing the gospel: the comfort wall, financial wall, grandchildren wall, health wall, lack of self-confidence wall, self-satisfied wall, transgression wall, or the walls of fear, doubt, or complacency.

We heard from the sister missionaries serving in our ward about how we just need to open our mouths and show true caring for others that will open the door to sharing the gospel.  Sinclaire also told of a success story with inviting people - even those who seem disinterested - to hear the gospel message.

Continuous Revelation through Living Prophets - April 17, 2016

Colette gave us an original presentation of the lesson as the host of Late Night with Ginny Fallon complete with a humorous opening monologue and applause breaks.

She hosted 3 guests who answered the question:

• When you were a missionary, what did you tell people that was unique about our Church?

First up was faux author of a book entitled "The Bishop's Wife," Andrea.  She served in France and said that she often taught that we have a living prophet and only he can receive revelation for the entire Church from Christ who is the head of the Church.

Only the President of the Church has the right to receive revelations for the entire Church or to give official interpretations of the scriptures or the doctrines of the Church:

“No one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting [the President of the Church], for he receiveth them even as Moses” (D&C 28:2). (President Howard W. Hunter Continuous Revelation through Living Prophets)

Next up was faux host of the TV show "First Time Moms," Lanae who served in Winnipeg, Canada. She would teach people about the eternal nature of the plan of happiness and about the preexistance.

Finally, our recently returned Sinclaire was the faux star of the movie "On Trial in Taiwan." Temples and the Book of Mormon stood out as powerful doctrines that recurred in Taiwan.

We who are met here today [in general conference] claim a special, unique knowledge of the Savior’s gospel. Most striking of all, to those who first became acquainted with us, is our declaration to the world that we are guided by a living prophet of God—one who communicates with, is inspired by, and receives revelation from the Lord. (President Howard W. Hunter Continuous Revelation through Living Prophets)

Thanks for the entertaining and enlightening lesson 'Ginny', we'll 'stay tuned' for more!

October 25, 2015 - “Why the Church"

This week's lesson was taught by Lanae S. using the October 2015 General Conference talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson “Why the Church".

• When you think of the church what do you think of?
• How has the church been a tool to getting closer to Heavenly Father?

The ancient purpose remains: that is, to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and administer the ordinances of salvation--in other words, to bring people to Christ.
Without the capabilities of His Church in place, the Savior’s commission to take the gospel to all the world could not be realized. There would not be the apostolic keys, the structure, the financial means, and the devotion and sacrifice of thousands upon thousands of missionaries needed to carry out the work. Remember, “this Gospel of the Kingdom [must] be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” “Why the Church"

• How have you been helped by the aggregate strength of the church?

...a major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life. “Why the Church"

• How can you help the community of saints in their path of discipleship?

In the Church we not only learn divine doctrine; we also experience its application. As the body of Christ, the members of the Church minister to one another in the reality of day-to-day life. All of us are imperfect; we may offend and be offended. We often test one another with our personal idiosyncrasies. In the body of Christ, we have to go beyond concepts and exalted words and have a real “hands-on” experience as we learn to “live together in love.” “Why the Church"

• Which element of discipleship will you work on as you serve this week?

Spreading the Gospel with the Love of Christ - May 31, 2015

In our combined meeting we discussed how Developing the Love of Christ helps us to share the Gospel by (1) develop a deeper love towards Christ and (2) develop a more Christlike love of our ward family and beyond.

We heard from our bishop, our Sister Missionaries and the Elders and from Suzanne who was most recently baptized.

We then broke into small discussion groups to answer questions about sharing the Gospel and to form goals.

• What has worked for you?
• What is a new item you have learned?
• What is something you will implement in your life?

The Book of Mormon - May 24, 2015

Natalie M. taught the lesson from two chapters of the President Ezra Taft Benson manual: Chapter 9, The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion and Chapter 10, Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon.

“I bless you with increased understanding of the Book of Mormon. I promise you that from this moment forward, if we will daily sup from its pages and abide by its precepts, God will pour out upon each child of Zion and the Church a blessing hitherto unknown..." Chapter 9: The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion

• What you have learned about the Savior by studying the Book of Mormon?

Our beloved brother, President Marion G. Romney, … who knows of himself of the power that resides in this book, testified of the blessings that can come into the lives of those who will read and study the Book of Mormon. He said:
        “I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity--the pure love of Christ--will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness” (Ensign, May 1980, p. 67).
Chapter 9: The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion

17 Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments;
18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets--
19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh--
D&C 1:17-19

6 Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?
7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.
10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.
2 Nephi 29:6-10

• What are the lessons you have been taught from the Book of Mormon?

There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called “the words of life” (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. Chapter 10, Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon

Now the spirit, as well as the body, is in need of constant nourishment. Yesterday’s meal is not enough to sustain today’s needs. So also an infrequent reading of “the most correct of any book on earth,” as Joseph Smith called it, is not enough. (History of the Church, 4:461.) Chapter 10, Flooding the Earth and Our Lives with the Book of Mormon

• Are there any scriptures in the Book of Mormon that relate to challenges we are facing today?

Share what you love - Presidency message

Sue A. encouraged us all to "Share what you love" with those around you.

And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.  1 Nephi 8:11-12

• How do we share the gospel?

Sue shared some experiences from her mission with notable institute growth in Germany.  We polled the class and outside of those baptized when they were 8 years old, most joined the church between 20-35yrs with equal number in their teens and 36+yrs.

• Who said 'do you want to meet with the missionaries'?

Think about people the church needs. People like to be needed.
Invite people to: the Relief Society Birthday, park days, tutoring Tuesday nights kids at the institute building, lunch with the missionaries.
The sister missionaries told of a woman who joined in Fremont that they took a member to discussions and she helped befriend her and made her feel welcome in the ward. In Hollister, a woman struggled to know if God loved her and it delayed her decision to be baptized until a ward mission leader gave her a hug at the end of a lesson.  She felt the love of the Lord.

Don't be afraid to let everyone know that you are LDS. Have 4 kids, genealogy, child's baptism, going to the temple, share your life - don't leave out church, event conflict.

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!  Doct. &Cov. 18:15-16

Lesson Summary: January 5, 2014

Tori G. provided an overview of Joseph Fielding Smith's life from the new Teachings of the Prophets: Joseph Fielding Smith Manual to set the stage for our study of his words this year.

Joseph Fielding Smith was born in Salt Lake City on July 19, 1876.  His father is the Prophet Joseph F. Smith, his grandfather was Hyram Smith and his great-uncle was the Prophet Joseph Smith.

His mother served as the second counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency and was a prolific midwife.

He learned service in family duties.

 

He had a strong love of scripture reading and gospel study.

 “From my earliest recollection,” he later said, “from the time I first could read, I have received more pleasure and greater satisfaction out of the study of the scriptures, and reading of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the work that has been accomplished for the salvation of men, than from anything else in all the world.” - Joseph Fielding Smith

His father served as a righteous example.

 

He married Louie Emily Shurtliff in 1898 and was called on a mission to Great Britain in 1899.

'At the end of his first day of missionary work in England, he wrote in his journal: “This has been a very important day in my short life. I came from my home less than a month ago for the purpose of preaching the gospel of our Lord. … I have been out tracting today and delivered 25 tracts [pamphlets]. It is the first of this kind of work that I ever tried to do and it did not come to me very easy. … I bore my testimony to the world for the first time today, but will be able to do so better. With the help of the Lord I shall do his will as I was called to do.”

'Elder Joseph Fielding Smith was honorably released from his mission on June 20, 1901. In his two years of diligent service, “he did not make one convert, did not have opportunity to perform one baptism, although he did confirm one convert.” However, he and his companions had planted gospel seeds, helping many people find greater peace and understanding, and he had grown personally as a student and teacher of the gospel and as a priesthood leader.' (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Life and Ministry)

After his mission, he was hired to work in the Church Historian's office.

 

His wife Louie died in 1908 leaving 2 daughters behind.  President Smith then married Ethel Georgina Reynolds, who was a clerk in the Church Historian's office and went on to have 4 more daughters and 5 sons before she passed away in 1937. 

He then married Jessie Ella Evens who was a talented singer in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  She died in 1971 and President Smith died a year later in 1972.

Lesson Summary: September 1, 2013

Katie T. was our teacher for the lesson Priesthood—“for the Salvation of the Human Family” from the Lorenzo Snow Manual.

Arriving in Italy in June 1850, [Lorenzo Snow] and his companions found that the people in the major Italian cities were not yet ready to receive the gospel. But a people known as the Waldenses attracted his attention, and he felt inspired to work among them.

Elder Snow said that when he considered preaching the gospel among the Waldenses, “a flood of light seemed to burst upon my mind.”  But despite these assurances, he felt that it was unwise to begin active missionary work immediately because enemies of the Church had distributed publications among the people, spreading lies about the Church.  Elder Snow reported, “As I felt it was the mind of the Spirit that we should proceed at first, by slow and cautious steps, I submitted to the will of heaven.” 

Although the missionaries did not begin preaching right away, Elder Snow oversaw the publication of pamphlets in Italian and French. In addition, he and his companions befriended the people around them. “We endeavoured to lay a foundation for future usefulness,” he said, “in silently preparing the minds of the people for the reception of the Gospel, by cultivating friendly feelings in the bosoms of those by whom we were surrounded. Yet I felt it rather singular, and no small tax upon patience, to be weeks, and months, in the midst of an interesting people, without being actively and publicly engaged in communicating the great principles which I had come to promulgate.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 17: Priesthood—“for the Salvation of the Human Family”, emphasis added)

Troubled by the opposition to the preaching of the gospel and concerned about little Joseph Guy, Elder Snow turned to the Lord for help that evening. He later recalled: “For some hours before I retired to rest, I called upon the Lord to assist us at this time. My feelings on this occasion will not be easily erased from memory.
“Sept. 7th.—This morning, I proposed … that we should fast, and retire to the mountains, and pray. As we departed, we called and saw the child; his eyeballs turned upwards: his eyelids fell and closed: his face and ears were thin, and wore the pale marble hue, indicative of approaching dissolution. The cold perspiration of death covered his body, and the principle of life was nearly exhausted. Madame Guy and other females were sobbing, while Monsieur Guy hung his head.” Whispering to Elder Snow and the other missionaries, Monsieur Guy said, “He dies. He dies.”

Elder Snow continued: “After a little rest upon the mountains, aside from any likelihood of interruption, we there called upon the Lord in solemn prayer, to spare the life of the child. As I contemplated the course we wished to pursue and the claims we should soon advance to the world, I regarded this circumstance as one of vast importance. I know not any sacrifice which I could possibly make, that I was not willing to offer that the Lord might grant our requests.”
...
Elder Snow’s words to Madame Guy—“the God of heaven has done this for you”—reflected his lifelong teachings about the priesthood. He reminded the Saints that through the work of priesthood holders, “the glory and power of God [is] made manifest” for the benefit of others.  (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 17: Priesthood—“for the Salvation of the Human Family”)

1. In what ways can Melchizedek Priesthood holders prepare themselves to give priesthood blessings? What can we all do to prepare ourselves to receive priesthood blessings?

Priesthood bearers are messengers of the Almighty, with authority delegated from heaven to administer holy ordinances.

Any man who will humble himself before God and will be immersed in water, after repentance, for the remission of his sins, shall receive, through the laying on of hands, the gift of the Holy Ghost. Can I give this to him? No, I, simply as a messenger of the Almighty to whom has been delegated authority, administer immersion for the remission of sins; I simply immerse him in water, having authority so to do. I simply lay my hands upon him for the reception of the Holy Ghost, then God, from his presence, acknowledges my authority, acknowledges that I am his messenger, and confers the Holy Ghost upon the individual. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 17: Priesthood—“for the Salvation of the Human Family”)

2. In what ways do priesthood ordinances manifest the power of God in our lives?

The priesthood helps us find happiness in this life and throughout eternity.

The Priesthood has been restored; it has been bestowed upon man that through that medium, all who would like to be good and happy, might have the privilege. The gospel tells us how to be great, good and happy. The spirit of the gospel of Christ teaches all things that are necessary for our present and future welfare.

… The object of the priesthood is to make all [people] happy, to diffuse information, to make all partakers of the same blessings in their turn. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 17: Priesthood—“for the Salvation of the Human Family”)

3. In what ways do priesthood ordinances and blessings help us all find happiness in this life? How do they help us secure eternal happiness?

Lesson Summary: July 28, 2013

This week Mickey T. taught our combined class using It's a Miracle by Neil L. Andersen and We Are One by Henry B. Eyring.

'Can you imagine the scene of the eleven Apostles on the mountain near Galilee when the risen Lord came to them and said: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”? “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

“All nations”? “All the world”? “Every creature”? Was it possible? Although Jesus reassured them, they must have wondered if miracles really would accompany them in spreading the gospel.

'The Lord needs you now more than ever to be an instrument in His hands. All of us have a contribution to make to this miracle.

'I promise you, as you pray to know with whom to speak, names and faces will come into your mind. Words to speak will be given in the very moment you need them. Opportunities will open to you. Faith will overcome doubt, and the Lord will bless you with your very own miracles.

'We are all in this together. With fellow ward members and missionaries, we plan and pray and help one another. Please keep the full-time missionaries in your thoughts and prayers. Trust them with your family and friends. The Lord trusts them and has called them to teach and bless those who seek Him.' (2013 April General Conference, It's a Miracle, By Neil L. Andersen)

We split into groups to discuss the following questions:

• To what degree am I feeling the love of The Lord?
• What challenges slow you from sharing the Gospel?  Busyness? Fear?
• What promises were declared in the lesson talks?

Lesson Summary: June 30, 2013

Today Bishop J. gave a joint lesson about unity.

In preparation of this lesson, he found gratitude for living prophets and their willingness to share promptings from the Lord without waiting until the next General Conference.
Two recent trainings that have been broadcast are getting the power of the priesthood in the home and also the recent missionary broadcast.
These speak to the power of one and how that combines to the work of us all becoming one in unity.

The blessings of the priesthood in every home [video clip]

This home is a sacred space and so can ours be as we remember that our homes are comparable to the temple.
Where a righteous woman and the power of the priesthood combine, the power of godliness is manifest.
It has the power to lift us up, to cleanse us from pain and sin.
As we want this in our homes, we come to want it in the homes of our neighbors.

Some changes were announced at the June 23 broadcast. The full time missionaries will be using social media more during the day and providing tours of the meetinghouses, like a local visitor's center.
This marks a unifying of the work.

We are one Eyring [video clip]

Pray, plan, act, share, and give thanks.
Plan how you will respond to the direction of the Spirit.
Open our hearts and homes we will be blessed, they will be blessed and we will become as one.

I'll go where you want me to go music video