Waiting for the Prodigal HP Group Lesson, Oct 2015

Waiting for the Prodigal, By Elder Brent H. Nielson, Of the Seventy


LEARNER READINESS

SAY: A friend my mine related a story of one of his friends who had a rebellious child.  This friend had contact with a General Authority and ask him what he should do about his child.  The General Authority responded with, "Don't do anything".

SAY: With those in our lives that have gone astray, we want so badly to tell them all the reasons to be in the Church and the Gospel, be we soon learn that we end up pushing them further away from the Church and the gospel.

SAY: Elder Brent H Nielson's main thought at the beginning of us talk is, "May you and I receive the revelation to know how to best approach those in our lives who are lost."
SAY: So, my goal for you, is that may apply one or two things from this lesson when working with those that are lost.

READ A

A - The Savior Jesus Christ spent His earthly ministry teaching of His healing and redemptive power. On one occasion in Luke chapter 15 in the New Testament, He was actually criticized for eating and spending time with sinners. The Savior used this criticism as an opportunity to teach us all how to respond to those who have lost their way.

Q: Why would the Savior be spending time with sinners?

READ B

B - He replied to His critics by asking them two important questions:

“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?” (Luke 15:4).

“What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?” (Luke 15:8).

The Savior then teaches the parable of the prodigal son. This parable isn’t about 100 sheep or 10 pieces of silver; it is about one precious son who is lost.

SAY: E. N. then tells of a similar experience to the parable of prodigal son in his how family.

READ C

C - My family had a similar experience. My two faithful brothers, wonderful sister, and I were raised by exemplary parents. We were taught the gospel in our home, we successfully made it to adulthood, and all four of us were sealed in the temple to our spouses. However, in 1994 our sister, Susan, became disenchanted with the Church and some of its teachings. She was persuaded by those who mocked and criticized the early leaders of the Church. She allowed her faith in living prophets and apostles to diminish. Over time, her doubts overcame her faith, and she chose to leave the Church. Susan has given me permission to share her story with the hope that it might help others.

SAY: He then tells of the devastation he, his brothers and their mother had.  It seemed to breaking his mother's heart.  Let's read some excerpts from his story.  While you are listening, think of things that were done to rescue E.N.'s sister.

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

READ D

D - My brothers and I had served as bishops and quorum presidents, and we had experienced the joy of success with ward and quorum members as we left the ninety and nine and went after the one. However, with our sister, our persistent efforts to rescue her and to invite her back only pushed her further and further away.

Q: What was the result of their persistent efforts?
Q: Why does this sometimes happen?

READ E

E - As we sought heavenly guidance as to how we might properly respond to her, it became evident that we had to follow the example of the father in the parable of the prodigal son. Susan had made her choice, and we had to figuratively let her go—but not without her knowing and feeling our sincere love for her. And so, with renewed love and kindness, we watched and we waited.

Q: What did they have to do? (sought guidance, watched and waited, continued feeling love and kindness toward her) [BOARD]

Q: What else?
Q: Why is it important to continue feeling love and kindness toward the person?

SAY: This has been hard for me.  Especially when my son sometimes mocks the church and shows disdain towards me.

READ F

F - My mother never stopped loving and caring for Susan. Every time my mother attended the temple, she placed Susan’s name on the prayer roll and never lost hope. My older brother and his wife, who lived closest to Susan in California, invited her to all family events. They prepared dinner in their home each year on Susan’s birthday. They made sure they were always in touch with her and that she knew of their genuine love for her.

Q: Even though they had to let Susan go, what did the family do? (prayer role, never lost hope, remember her birthday.)
Q: Why is it important to never lose hope?
Q: If miracles were to occur, what are the predicated on?

At this point you may need to start summarizing

____________________________________________________________________________

YOU READ or SAY: The continued involving her and her children.  The home teachers never gave up.  They always invited Susan to family events.  The created family events specifically for Susan and her family.  

My younger brother and his wife reached out to Susan’s children in Utah and cared for them and loved them. They made sure that her children were always invited to family gatherings, and when it came time for Susan’s granddaughter to be baptized, my brother was there to perform the ordinance. Susan also had loving home teachers and visiting teachers who never gave up.

As our children went on missions and were married, Susan was invited to and attended these family celebrations. We tried diligently to create family events so that Susan and her children could be with us and they would know that we loved them and that they were part of our family. As Susan received an advanced degree at a California university, we were all there to support her at her graduation. Although we could not embrace all of her choices, we could certainly embrace her. We loved, we watched, and we waited.

Q: What is the difference in embracing her but maybe not some of her choices? [BOARD]

YOU READ or SAY, this rescuing effort went on for 15 years.  .....

In 2006, after 12 years had passed since Susan left the Church, our daughter Katy moved with her husband to California so he could attend law school. They were in the same city as Susan. This young couple looked to their aunt Susan for help and support, and they loved her. Susan helped care for our two-year-old granddaughter, Lucy, and Susan found herself helping Lucy with her nightly prayers. Katy called me one day and asked if I thought Susan would ever come back to the Church. I assured her that I felt she would and that we needed to continue to be patient. As another three years passed, with continued love, we watched and we waited.

Q: Anything that stands out? (involving her, continue to be patient) [BOARD]

READ (if there is time), the outcome is not important (SUMMARIZE)

Six years ago this weekend, my wife, Marcia, and I were sitting on the front row of this Conference Center. I was to be sustained as a new General Authority that day. Marcia, who is always in touch with the Spirit, had written a note to me that read, “I think it is time for Susan to come back.” My daughter Katy suggested that I leave and call Susan to invite her to watch general conference that day.

Prompted by these two great women, I walked to the foyer and called my sister. I got her voice mail and simply invited her to watch that session of general conference. She got the message. To our delight, she felt impressed to watch all the sessions of conference. She heard from prophets and apostles she had loved in earlier years. She found new names she had not heard before, such as President Uchtdorf and Elders Bednar, Cook, Christofferson, and Andersen. During this and other unique heaven-sent experiences, my sister—like the prodigal son—came to herself. The words of prophets and apostles and the love of her family moved her to turn and begin the walk back home. After 15 years our daughter and sister who was lost had been found. The watch and the wait were over.

_________________________________________________________________________________

LEARNER APPLICATION #1 (the prodigals in our life)

Q: What are some of the underlying threads in the story? (look at board)

Love,

Acceptance

Hope

Patience

Waiting

SAY: Let's read Susan's description of the stark contrast between being in the mist of darkness and being in light of the gospel and church.

READ H

H - Susan describes this experience just as Lehi described it in the Book of Mormon. She let go of the iron rod and found herself in a mist of darkness (see 1 Nephi 8:23). She states that she did not know she was lost until her faith was reawakened by the Light of Christ, which brightly magnified the stark contrast between what she was experiencing in the world and what the Lord and her family were offering.

Q: Do you believe in this contrast be between darkness and light/
Q: What are we offering?

LEARNER APPLICATION #2 (I am the prodigal son)

READ

Perhaps the most important lesson the Lord taught me through this process happened during our family scripture study after my sister had left the Church. Our son David was reading as we studied together Luke 15. As he read the parable of the prodigal son, I heard it differently that day than I had ever heard it before. For some reason, I had always related to the son who stayed home. As David read that morning, I realized that in some ways I was the prodigal son. All of us fall short of the glory of the Father (see Romans 3:23). All of us need the Savior’s Atonement to heal us. All of us are lost and need to be found. This revelation that day helped me know that my sister and I both needed the Savior’s love and His Atonement. Susan and I were actually on the same path back home.

Q: Are we all the prodigal son in some ways?
Q: Why a righteous man like E. N. consider himself, some ways, the prodigal son?
Q: Even as active members of the Chruch, why do we need the Savior's Antonement to heal us?  Aren't we already healed?

Q: How does this healing through the Savior's atonement occur in our lives?

READ the Roman's paraphrase about admitting you need rescuing.

Q: Do we need rescuing?

Q: How do we make Christ's atonement more personal for us?

CONCLUSION

May you and I receive the revelation to know how to best approach those in our lives who are lost and, when necessary, to have the patience and love of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, as we love, watch, and wait for the prodigal. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Redeeming the Dead - Richard Scott

The Joy of Redeeming the Dead


By Elder Richard G. Scott

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“He shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.”

The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith sublime doctrine concerning the sacred ordinance of baptism. That light came when other Christian churches taught that death irrevocably, eternally, determined the destiny of the soul. They taught the baptized were rewarded with endless joy while all others faced eternal torment without hope of redemption.

The Lord’s revelation that through proper priesthood authority, baptism could be performed vicariously for the dead preserved the justice of His statement: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”1 Vicarious baptism can mercifully provide this essential ordinance for all worthy deceased who did not receive it in mortality.

This glorious doctrine is another witness of the all-encompassing nature of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He made salvation available to every repentant soul. His Atonement conquered death, and He permits the worthy deceased to receive all ordinances of salvation vicariously.

In an epistle written over 150 years ago, Joseph Smith stated: “The Saints have the privilege of being baptized for … their relatives who are dead … who have received the Gospel in the spirit, through … those who have been commissioned to preach to them.”2 Later he added, “Those Saints who neglect it in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation.”3

The prophet Elijah committed the keys for vicarious work to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple4 to fulfill the Lord’s promise that “he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.”5

Through further revelation to Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets, there has come an understanding of and the provision for temple work and the family history effort that supports it. Every prophet since Joseph Smith has emphasized the imperative need to provide all ordinances for ourselves and our deceased ancestors.

Temple and family history work is one work divided into two parts. They are connected together like the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Some members may not be able to do both works because of health or distances to temples.

President Howard W. Hunter taught:

“We must accomplish the priesthood temple ordinance work necessary for our own exaltation; then we must do the necessary work for those who did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel in life. Doing work for others is accomplished in two steps: first, by family history research to ascertain our progenitors; and second, by performing the temple ordinances to give them the same opportunities afforded to the living.

“Yet there are many members of the Church who have only limited access to the temples. They do the best they can. They pursue family history research and have the temple ordinance work done by others. Conversely, there are some members who engage in temple work but fail to do family history research on their own family lines. Although they perform a divine service in assisting others, they lose a blessing by not seeking their own kindred dead as divinely directed by latter-day prophets. …

“I have learned that those who engage in family history research and then perform the temple ordinance work for those whose names they have found will know the additional joy of receiving both halves of the blessing.”6

Father in Heaven wants each of us to receive both parts of the blessing of this vital vicarious work. He has led others to show us how to qualify. It is up to you and me to claim those blessings.

Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received. The First Presidency has declared, “Our preeminent obligation is to seek out and identify our own ancestors.”7

Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. As you grow older, you will be able to participate in receiving the other ordinances as well. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.

In the Russia Rostov-na-Donu Mission the youth were invited to each index 2,000 names and then qualify at least one name from their own families for temple ordinances. Those who accomplished this goal were invited to go on a long journey to the new Kyiv Ukraine Temple. One young man shared his experience: “I was spending a lot of time playing computer games. When I started indexing, I didn’t have time to play games. At first I thought, ‘Oh no! How can that be!’ When this project was over, I even lost interest in gaming. … Genealogical work is something that we can do here on earth, and it will remain in heaven.”

Many faithful Saints have done the work of researching their family lines and are using the reserve feature of FamilySearch to hold the ordinances for their own family members to serve as proxy. The intent of reserving names is to allow a reasonable period of time for individuals to perform ordinances for ancestors and collateral lines. There are currently 12 million names and millions of corresponding ordinances that are reserved. Many names have been reserved for years. Ancestors who have been found are no doubt anxious and thrilled when their names are cleared for ordinances. They, however, may not be very happy when they have to continue to wait for their ordinances to be performed.

We encourage those of you who have a large reservation of names to share them so that members of your extended family or ward and stake can help you in completing that work. You can do this by distributing temple cards to ward and stake members willing to help or by using the FamilySearch computer system to submit the names directly to the temple. This latter option is something Cindy Blevins of Casper, Wyoming, has been doing for years.

Sister Blevins was baptized as a teenager and has been the only member of her family to join the Church. She has completed a vast amount of genealogical work. But there are far too many names for her and her immediate family to complete. Consequently, Sister Blevins has submitted the names to the temple, which, she reports, are often completed in a matter of weeks, usually at one of the two temples closest to her home. She says she likes to think that friends and neighbors in her own ward and stake may be among those helping to complete the work for her ancestors. She appreciates their doing so.

My beloved wife, Jeanene, loved doing family history research. When our children were young, she would trade babysitting time with friends so she could have a few hours every few weeks to work on researching our family lines. After our youngest child left home, she recorded in her personal journal: “I have just made a decision and I want to stand up and shout about it. Mike’s old bedroom has become my genealogy workroom. It is well equipped to organize the records and work in. My life will now focus on vital family research and temple name submissions. I am so excited and anxious to get going.”8

Another journal entry reads: “The … miracle for me occurred in the Family History office of Mel Olsen who presented me with a printout of all my known ancestral pedigrees taken from the update of the Ancestral File computerized records sent into the genealogical society. They came mostly from the records of the four generation’s program the Church called for many years ago. I had been overwhelmed with the thought of the huge task ahead of me to gather all my ancestors’ research records from family organizations to get them all in the computer for the first computerized distribution of the Ancestral File. And there they all were, beautiful, organized and laser printed and sitting there on the desk before me. I was so thrilled and so overwhelmed I just sat there stunned and then began to cry I was so happy. … For one who has doggedly, painstakingly researched for thirty years, the computerization of all these records is truly exciting. And when I think of the hundreds of thousands of people who are now or soon will be computerizing huge blocks of censuses and private research disks … I am so excited. It is truly the Lord’s work and He is directing it.”9

I have tasted enough of the fruits of this sublime work to know that the keys Elijah restored to Joseph Smith permit our hearts to be bound and each of us linked to those of our ancestors who are waiting for our help. Through our efforts in holy temples here on earth using the authority delegated by the Savior, our progenitors receive the saving ordinances that allow them to enjoy eternal happiness.

In the past, motivated by a deep conviction of the sanctity of the work, individuals have valiantly faced a challenge that seemed like single-handedly endeavoring to harvest all the grain in Nebraska. Now, many mighty combines are at work. Together we can and will accomplish the required work.

I testify that the Spirit of Elijah is touching the hearts of many of Father’s children throughout the world, causing the work for the dead to accelerate at an unprecedented pace.

But what about you? Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can’t help themselves. Check around. There will be someone in your area who can help you have success.

This work is a spiritual work, a monumental effort of cooperation on both sides of the veil, where help is given in both directions. Anywhere you are in the world, with prayer, faith, determination, diligence, and some sacrifice, you can make a powerful contribution. Begin now. I promise you that the Lord will help you find a way. And it will make you feel wonderful. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Show References

October General Conference 2015

President Monson

Let your light so shine before man...

Be thou an example of the believers in word, in spirit,in faith, in charity and purity.

We become examples of the believers

Attributes.

Word and in conversation- lift and inspire or harm and demean. Vulgarity, Lord's name in vain.  Speak to others in love and respect.  Keep language clean and avoid words that would wound or offend.

Charity - pure love of Christ. Help others.  Reach out in charity.  Emulate his example.  Bless lives.

Spirit - Strive to have in our lives kindness, gratitude and good will.  We experience a special feeling when we are with them.  They radiate the light of Christ.
Story: Jerusalem Center.  no proselyting.  What are we going to do about the light in their eyes?  by Israeli official.  Our faith will influence all that we do.  Abiding faith become the anchor to our lives.  Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time.  Remember this.
Read the scriptures... be believing all things will work together to you for good.

Purity - HG as constant companion.  Purity will bring us peace of mind.  They shall see God.

We will qualify to lights to the world as we follow these principle.  We will stand out from the crowd.  We avoid off color humor and degrading remarks.  Media choices that are base and demeaning.  Gospel choices.  We will shine in an ever darkening world.

Fears will be replaced by our convictions.  Help from HF we can regain that light that will illuminate our own path.
Poem - stranger in the night, tempest, lamp out, back to me the Savior came, and lighted mine.

Opportunities to shine.  Follow the Savior.  Among coworkers, family, etc.  Glorious blessing.  Savior is the light of the world.

E. Rasband

So fully he proffers me.  Extend His great love to one such as I.  This call comes from the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Tenderly spoken by P. Monson.  Will serve the Lord with you with all of my heart might mind and strength.

Wife has molded him into a more polished man in the gospel.  Six generations back.  Many have helped him get to where he is at now.

Message: The Lord has said love one another as I have loved you.  Reach out to our fellow man in love.  Jesus Christ looked past people's ethnicity and rank.  Angel mother, reading scripture and gospel stories.  Grown into a witness and knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father.

Charity for others, stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers us.  Wonderful, wonderful.

E Gary E. Stevenson

I sustain E. T S Monson.  Tuesday morning.  Called to meet with P. Monson.  He commenting on him looking young.  Extended calling.  He had complete shock.  Emotions.  Feelings of inadequacy.  P. Monson felt in inadequate.   Lisa, wife.  told her.  deepest love for Lisa.  Selfless service.  Missionary son has special permission.

fullness of the gospel might be proclaimed by the weak to the kings.  paul described the calamities as perilous times.  He can testify.  Sincere prayer.  Central is the atonement.  

E. Dale G. Renlund

Weak and simple to the ends of earth.  He is one of them.  Inspite of what you have done.  Lord called you so He can work through you.  This calling isn't about me.  It is about serving the Lord.  Cardiologist.  Saw many people die.  Emotional distance to not feel sad.  Story of Chad....challenging life.  Cardiac Arrest.  Worked hard to revive.  Sad and disappointed.  Many more years of life.  Mother and father came...  Chad's parents comforted me.  We must see others through a parent's eyes.  We can sense the love that HF has for them.  See them through God's eyes.  If we are to accomplish the rescue.  Filled with the pure love of Christ.  Pray for this with all energy of heart.  I want to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.  I adore him.  Jesus is the living Christ.  Testifies.

E. Russell Nelson

Woman of the Church are happier than out of the Church.  Women who can speak with the power and authority of God.  Women who can organize.  With the give of discernment.  He adds, we need women that can make things happen by their faith.  Shepard God's children.  Know how receive personal revelation.  Know the power of the endowment.  Third child died of a family with with heart problem.  Danzel looked at me and lovingly asked me if I have finished crying.  Get back to work and learn more.  Women do you realize the breadth and scope when you open your mouths?

E.

Melody instead of wild set of sounds.  I am a child of God and he has sent it.

Paul: life giving sound.  distinction of sound.  We need to communicate the gospel in clarity.  Like a trumpet. Christ did this.  Remember the love God.  He was not scared to go against the powers.  He also likes Peter.  Defends the Church and Christ.  Day of Pentacost.  God has made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified .... 3000 souls joined the church.  We should witness for God.  Something profound happens.  True disciples are not looking to make excuses for the gospel.   True disciples desire to inspire the hearts of the children of man.

Paul preached and the King Agrippa, almost convinced him.  Speak with clarity.

Great and spacious building...mocking...wandered off... did they not have the courage to speak boldly against the criticisms?  Mocking crowd isn't making fun anymore.  Now they attack.  Attacking the very heart of our doctrine.  We must never let go of the iron rod.  Our souls must be like a trumpet.  It is time for us to stand up to testify.  Above the noise of the world.  Walking in his path.

E.  Claudio R. M. Costa

Tell the stories of Jesus.  Brings in special spirit into the home.  I love to read the passages about his sinless life.  spat on the ground, annointed the eyes of blind man.  Issue of blood and touched the border of his garment and was healed.  Opened the understanding on the road to Emmaus.

I rejoice that there are parents that tell the stories of Christ to their children.



E. Christofferson

About why we have a church.  A respet from the storm. Provide relief.  Take the gospel to all the earth.  The church provides temples.  Ordinances  too.  If one believes all roads lead to heaven.  No need for missionary work.  But we believe in eternal life, not just immortality.

The Church is the kingdom of God on the earth.  The keys have been given.  Preserve the purity of the saving doctrine.  The Priesthood can identify truth from falsehoods.  Revelations are safe guarded.

The Church is the prophesied kingdom.  Its destiny is to establish Zion.  Not of political sense.  Gathering place.  Call upon the Lord that his kingdom will go forth upon the earth.  That the kingdom of heaven may come.


E. 70

Save money each week.  Develop the habit.  You can then assist others.  Small efforts sustained over time can produce

Ponderize one verse scripture each week.  Choose a verse a scripture and place it every day.  Ponder it through out the week.  Imagine how this will improve you over the years.  Words and phrases will be written on you heart and mind.  An uplifting place for you thoughts to go.  My soul delighteth in the scriptures and I ponder them continually.

Alma 5:16  come unto me ye blessed.... can you imagine.... your works have been the works of righteousness.  Higher place for my thoughts to go.  Look unto Christ in every thought.  Living in a time of ever spreading evil.  Fight back.  Fill your mind with uplifting thoughts.  No room for bad thoughts.  Ponderizing.

Don't be deterred.  Put it on you phone.  Share thoughts about it with wife and children.

Benefits - six weeks, testimony strengthened.    Feel the Spirit more fully.  Let virtue garnish my thoughts unceasingly.  *************

Chew it very slowly.  Rest of this month? Rest of this year? 20 years.

Save money each week, and ponderize.  Free from the Mas of this world.

Protection and  Power.  Do the things that you have seen me do.

E. Von Keetch

Barrier on the bay.  in Australia.  Surfers.  Binoculars.  Sharks.  Large Sharks.  Surfers became subdues.  Only thing keeping you of being devoured.  Danger that lurked just below the surface.  Gods commands and standards  may look like they are blocking our path.  He gives us divine direction so we may avoid the dangerous.  Gaping jaws of sin.  Keeping the commandments.  We exercise faith when we don't fully understand the reason for the law.  Put out trust in God.  Show our love for Him.

Ananias could not understand.  to seek out Saul.  But he was obedient and trusted.  Saul becomes Paul.

Becoming is all important.  How to become what our HF desires us to become.  Give youself entirely to Him.  As we do this we are blessed with peace and happiness and joy. ******  The barriers established by the Lord create a safe harbor.  They are given out love and caring.

Jesus Christ is the best example.    Course marked for Him.  Ghesemenee and Golgatha.  Cries that he is risen.

S. Carole M Stephens

Chole power struggle to stay fastened in her car seat.  You want me to wear my seat belt because you love me!

E. Bednar

Wash every stain.  The Atonement can put you clean again.  Happy at home.  Challenges help us.  Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us endure challenges.  Faith fortified.  Follow prophets.  With all the energy of my soul I witness the resurrected Lord.