The Restoration of the Gospel- The Dawning of a Brighter Day. January 8, 2017

Thank you to Emilee who guided our discussion on "The Restoration of the Gospel- The Dawning of a Brighter Day" from the Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley manual (2016).

Our teacher encouraged us to enhance our scripture and personal study as we begin this new year. The "Introduction" in our new Gordon B. Hinckley manual includes some good tips such as prayerfully seeking the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, writing down thoughts and feeling we get as we study, and underlining passages we want to remember. We can also read chapters more than once to understand it more completely and strive to understand how the teachings can help us with our personal challenges on concerns (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley).

Gordon B. Hinckley was a prophet many knew and loved. Sisters were able to share some favorite memories they had of Gordon B. Hinckley. His special relationship with his wife, love of temples, happy spirit, accessibility, ability to touch the youth, and sense of humor were all mentioned.

We were able to watch a video that told the story of how Gordon B Hinckley received a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith when as a young boy he accompanied his father to a priesthood meeting and was overcome by the spirit as the congregation sang "Praise to the Man". President Hinckley expressed: "It touched my heart. It gave me a feeling that was difficult to describe. I'd never had it previously in terms of any church experience. There came into my hear a conviction that the man of whom they sang was really a prophet of God. And I'm grateful to be able to say that that conviction, which came, I believe, by the power of the Holy Spirit, has never left me." (from video found here: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-05-1503-preparation-of-gordon-b-hinckley-a-testimony-of-joseph-smith?lang=eng&_r=1)


What can we do to strengthen our testimony of Joseph Smith?

We can share our testimony with others and remember times when the spirit has testified to us. Some sisters shared that studying the life of Joseph Smith helped them receive a stronger testimony.

We were challenged to continue to foster our knowledge and testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith and the restoration of the gospel.

Faith and Testimony

Tina D. led the discussion from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter Manuel.         Lesson 21: Faith and Testimony

               "The supreme achievement of life is to find God and know that He lives"- President Hunter

1. Through faith, we can find God and know that He lives. 

Hebrews 11:1-6
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrificethan Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

What is the role of faith in accomplishing the quest of finding God?

One sister commented it is the magic of trying even if it is not perfect. 

2. To obtain a knowledge of the reality of God, we must make a faithful effort, do His will, and pray for understanding. 

President Hunter said "the task was not easy... and the burden was not light." Much devoted effort must be put into gaining and keeping a testimony. 

3. We must believe in order to see.

The disciple Thomas wanted to see with his own eyes before he would believe. We discussed how faith is related to the future, and we like Thomas,  must turn toward the future with confidence even when we might not feel satisfied with what we cannot see. Having faith can give us confidence in things that may not be visible.  Thomas was contrasted with the man born blind in John 9. Although he could not see Jesus with his own eyes, he had faith and chose to believe. 

John 20:29

"Blessed are they who  have not seen, and yet have believed."

"Faith does not take precedence over doubt when one must feel or see in order to believe." (President Howard W. Hunter.)

4. Acting on our faith leads to personal testimony

We took time to read Alma 32:37-43 and discussed in small groups how we must nourish the seed that is our testimony. 

"37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.

38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.

39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.

40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.

41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing upunto everlasting life."