Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying, (Dec 2015)

Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying, By Elder Dale G. Renlund, Of the Seventy

As we try, persevere, and help others to do the same, we are true Latter-day Saints.

LEARNER READINESS

READ  A

A - My invitation to all of us is to evaluate our lives, repent,and keep on trying. If we don’t try, we’re just latter-day sinners; if we don’t persevere, we’re latter-day quitters;and if we don’t allow others to try, we’re just latter-day hypocrites. As we try, persevere, and help others to do the same, we are true Latter-day Saints. As we change,we will find that God indeed cares a lot more about who we are and about who we are becoming than about who we once were.

Q: Why does God care about who we are and who we are becoming than about who we once were? (because all sins repented of are remembered no more), (because Christ paid for all of our sins, and multiple iteration of our sins- all because he loves us).

TRYING

SAY: Elder Renlund starts is talk with a quote from Nelson Mandela.  Mandela frequently deflected accolades by saying, “I’m no saint—that is,unless you think a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying.”

READ B

B - This statement—“a saint is a sinner who keeps on trying”—should reassure and encourage members of the Church. Although we are referred to as “Latter-day Saints,” we sometimes flinch at this reference. The term Saints is commonly used to designate those who have achieved an elevated state of holiness or even perfection. And we know perfectly well that we are not perfect.

Q: So, why do we call ourselves Saints? (to help us rise to the challenge, to inspire us, to help us aspire to higher ideals)

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

READ C

C - Our theology does teach us, though, that we may be perfected by repeatedly and iteratively “relying wholly upon” the doctrine of Christ: exercising faith in Him, repenting, partaking of the sacrament to renew the covenants and blessings of baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to a greater degree. As we do so, we become more like Christ and are able to endure to the end, with all that that entails. In less formal terms, God cares a lot more about who we are and who we are becoming than about who we once were. He cares that we keep on trying.

Q: Why is it important to keep on trying?

Q: What is the connection between keeping on trying and the Atonement?

SAY: Earlier I quoted Elder Renlund as say that "If we don’t try, we’re just latter-day sinners; if we don’t persevere, we’re latter-day quitters"

Q: Why are we Latter-day Sinners if we don't keep on trying?

Q: What does not trying and not persevering tell us about our belief in the Atonement and our reliance wholly upon the doctrine of Christ? (That we don't believe it)

PERMITTING OTHERS TO CHANGE

LEARNER APPLICATION

SAY: Elder Renlund  changes course a little and moves on the subject of permitting others to change.  He says this:  The comedy As You Like It, written by the English playwright William Shakespeare, depicts a dramatic change in a character’s life. An older brother attempts to have his younger brother killed. Even knowing this,the younger brother saves his wicked brother from certain death. When the older brother learns of this undeserved compassion, he is totally and forever changed and has what he calls a “conversion.” Later several women approach the older brother and ask,“Was’t you that did so oft contrive to kill [your brother]?”

The older brother answers, “’Twas I; but ’tis not I: I do not shame to tell you what I was, since my conversion so sweetly tastes, being the thing I am.”

READ D

D - In His mercy, God promises forgiveness when we repent and turn from wickedness—so much so that our sins will not even be mentioned to us. For us, because of the Atonement of Christ and our repentance, we can look at our past deeds and say, “’Twas I; but ’tis not I.” No matter how wicked, we can say, “That’s who I was. But that past wicked self is no longer who I am.”

Q: But, what about all the negative effects of our past behavior and sins?  What about all those people that we hurt in the process of trying and changing?

READ E

E - God’s desire that Latter-day Saints keep on trying also extends beyond overcoming sin. Whether we suffer because of troubled relationships, economic challenges,or illnesses or as a consequence of someone else’s sins,the Savior’s infinite Atonement can heal even—and perhaps especially—those who have innocently suffered. He understands perfectly what it is like to suffer innocently as a consequence of another’s transgression. As prophesied, the Savior will “bind up the brokenhearted, … give … beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, [and] the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” No matter what, with His help, God expects Latter-day Saints to keep on trying.

READ F

F - Just as God rejoices when we persevere, He is disappointed if we do not recognize that others are trying too. Our dear friend Thoba shared how she learned this lesson from her mother, Julia. Julia and Thoba were among the early black converts in South Africa. After the apartheid regime ended, black and white members of the Church were permitted to attend church together. For many, the equality of interaction between the races was new and challenging. One time,as Julia and Thoba attended church, they felt they were treated less than kindly by some white members. As they left, Thoba complained bitterly to her mother. Julia listened calmly until Thoba had vented her frustration.Then Julia said, “Oh, Thoba, the Church is like a big hospital, and we are all sick in our own way. We come to church to be helped.”

SAY: Can you imagine the mess South Africa was in, desegregating a society deeply entrenched with false traditions about race?

Q: Why is Julia's counsel important when we are offended by others?

READ G

G - Julia’s comment reflects a valuable insight. We must not only be tolerant while others work on their individual illnesses; we must also be kind, patient, supportive, and understanding. As God encourages us to keep on trying, He expects us to also allow others the space to do the same, at their own pace. The Atonement will come into our lives in even greater measure. We will then recognize that regardless of perceived differences, all of us are in need of the same infinite Atonement.

Q: What does Elder Renlund mean by allowing others space to keep on trying?

Q: What should we do when we want to judge others for being judgmental?

Q: Should we go as far a allowing others to persecute us without retaliating or withdrawing?

(BOM, Alma, feeling judged, not reviling back (Alma 1, Alma 34)

READ H

H - My invitation to all of us is to evaluate our lives, repent,and keep on trying. If we don’t try, we’re just latter-day sinners; if we don’t persevere, we’re latter-day quitters;and if we don’t allow others to try, we’re just latter-day hypocrites. 

Q: Why do you think Elder Renlund says that if we don't allow others to try, that we're just latter-day hypocrites?

[if no response], SAY: Elder Renlund says that the word Hypocrite as used in the New Testament may be translated from the Greek as “pretender”; “the Greek word means ‘a play actor,’ or ‘one who feigns, represents dramatically, or exaggerates a part’” (Matthew 6:2, footnote a). If we do not give others the opportunity to change at their own pace, we are simply pretending to be Latter-day Saints.

Q: Brethren, why are we latter-day pretenders if we are not kind, patient, supportive, and understanding of others in their process of change? (because, in a real sense we are denying the atonement.)

Q: is not allowing others to try similar to calling others bad (judging them) while calling ourselves good?

CONCLUSION

As we try, persevere, and help others to do the same, we are true Latter-day Saints. As we change,we will find that God indeed cares a lot more about who we are and about who we are becoming than about who we once were. I am grateful for this.  I am grateful for the atonement and God's grace.  Without it, I would have to pay for all my past sins.  I wouldn't be encircled by the arms of mercy.

On Being Genuine By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency

LEARNER READINESS

SAY: If the shoe fits wear it.  There are lots of different types of shoes in this lesson.  If you.,...

SAY: What does it mean to genuine?  The dictionary definition is: free from pretense, affectation, or hyprocrisy; sincere. Not spurious or counterfeit, authentic.
__

SAY / Summarize

In the late 18th century, Catherine the Great of Russia announced she would tour the southern part of her empire, accompanied by several foreign ambassadors. The governor of the area, Grigory Potemkin, desperately wanted to impress these visitors. And so he went to remarkable lengths to showcase the country’s accomplishments.

For part of the journey, Catherine floated down the Dnieper River, proudly pointing out to the ambassadors the thriving hamlets along the shore, filled with industrious and happy townspeople. There was only one problem: it was all for show. It is said that Potemkin had assembled pasteboard facades of shops and homes. He had even positioned busy-looking peasants to create the impression of a prosperous economy. Once the party disappeared around the bend of the river, Potemkin’s men packed up the fake village and rushed it downstream in preparation for Catherine’s next pass.

Although modern historians have questioned the truthfulness of this story, the term “Potemkin village” has entered the world’s vocabulary. It now refers to any attempt to make others believe we are better than we really are.

SAY:  Be thinking about how we might do the same thing in our own lives. (Make ourselves to appear to be something different than we really are)

READ  A

A - It is part of human nature to want to look our best. However, when taken to extremes, this desire to impress can shift from useful to deceitful.

Q: Is it possible for us to fall into this trap?

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

READ B

B - The Savior was understanding and compassionate with sinners whose hearts were humble and sincere. But He rose up in righteous anger against hypocrites like the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees—those who tried to appear righteous in order to win the praise, influence, and wealth of the world, all the while oppressing the people they should have been blessing. The Savior compared them to “whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”

Q: Why did the Lord have righteous anger against the scribes and Pharisees?

READ C

C - In some cases, we may simply have lost our focus on the essence of the gospel, mistaking the “form of godliness” for the “power thereof.” This is especially dangerous when we direct our outward expressions of discipleship to impress others for personal gain or influence. It is then that we are at risk of entering into Pharisee territory, and it is high time to examine our hearts to make immediate course corrections.

SAY: EU says that "This temptation to appear better than we are is found not just in our personal lives but can be found in our Church assignments as well."

SAY: EU tells a story and starts is this way, "For example, I know of a stake where the leaders set some ambitious goals for the year. While the goals all looked worthwhile, they focused either on lofty and impressive declarations or on numbers and percentages."

READ D

D  - After these goals had been discussed and agreed upon, something began to trouble the stake president. He thought about the members of his stake—like the young mother with small children who was recently widowed. He thought about the members who were struggling with doubts or loneliness or with severe health conditions and no insurance. He thought about the members who were grappling with broken marriages, addictions, unemployment, and mental illness. And the more he thought about them, the more he asked himself a humbling question: will our new goals make a difference in the lives of these members?

He began to wonder how their stake’s goals might have been different if they had first asked, “What is our ministry?”

So this stake president went back to his councils, and together they shifted their focus. They determined that they would not allow “the hungry, … the needy, …the naked, … the sick and the afflicted to pass by [them], and notice them not.” Mormon 8:39

They set new goals, recognizing that success with these new goals could not always be measured, at least not by man—for how does one measure personal testimony, love of God, or compassion for others?

But they also knew that “many of the things you can count, do not count. Many of the things you cannot count, really do count.”

Q: Can any of you tell me the essence of EU's story?
Q: What did they shift their focus to? (not allow)
Q: Why do you think EU wanted to bring this particular story to our attention?
Q: Why do many things we can count, do not count?

SAY: EU says this: "I wonder if our organizational and personal goals are sometimes the modern equivalent of a Potemkin village. Do they look impressive from a distance but fail to address the real needs of our beloved fellowmen?"

READ E

E  - My dear friends and fellow priesthood holders, if Jesus Christ were to sit down with us and ask for an accounting of our stewardship, I am not sure He would focus much on programs and statistics. What the Savior would want to know is the condition of our heart. He would want to know how we love and minister to those in our care, how we show our love to our spouse and family, and how we lighten their daily load. And the Savior would want to know how you and I grow closer to Him and to our Heavenly Father.

Q: What does all this have to be genuine?

SAY

Why Are We Here?

It may be beneficial to search our own hearts. For example, we might ask ourselves, why do we serve in the Church of Jesus Christ?

We could even ask, why are we here at this meeting today?

I suppose if I were to answer that question on a superficial level, I could say that I’m here because President Monson assigned me to speak.

So I really didn’t have a choice.

Besides that, my wife, whom I love very much, expects me to attend. And how can I say no to her?

But we all know there are better reasons for attending our meetings and living our lives as committed disciples of Jesus Christ.

Q:  So, Brethren why are you here today?
Q:  Why do we serve in the Church?

LEARNER APPLICATION

READ F

F - I am here because I desire with all my heart to follow my Master, Jesus Christ. I yearn to do all that He asks of me in this great cause. I hunger to be edified by the Holy Spirit and hear the voice of God as He speaks through His ordained servants. I am here to become a better man, to be lifted by the inspiring examples of my brothers and sisters in Christ, and to learn how to more effectively minister to those in need.

In short, I am here because I love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I am sure this is your reason too. This is why we are willing to make sacrifices and not just declarations to follow the Savior. This is why we bear with honor His holy priesthood.

Q: Why is our willingness to make sacrifices so important?

READ G

G - Whether your testimony is thriving and healthy or your activity in the Church more closely resembles a Potemkin village, the good news is that you can build on whatever strength you have. Here in the Church of Jesus Christ you can mature spiritually and draw closer to the Savior by applying gospel principles day by day.

With patience and persistence, even the smallest act of discipleship or the tiniest ember of belief can become a blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In fact, that’s how most bonfires begin—as a simple spark.

READ H

H - So if you feel small and weak, please simply come unto Christ, who makes weak things strong. The weakest among us, through God’s grace, can become spiritually strong, because God “is no respecter of persons.” He is our “faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments.”

Q: According what we just read, what is the foundation we build upon to become spiritually strong?

READ I

I - My beloved brothers in Christ, the God of Creation, who breathed life into the universe, surely has the power to breathe life into you. Surely He can make of you the genuine, spiritual being of light and truth you desire to be.

Q: Why do think Elder U. is talking about breathing life into us?
Q:  Have any of you had an experience where Christ has breathed life into you?
(cake is still baking, by little boy)  She was given courage or hope, or energy?

READ J

J - The Church Is a Place of Healing, Not Hiding

But this cannot happen if we hide behind personal, dogmatic, or organizational facades. Such artificial discipleship not only keeps us from seeing ourselves as who we really are, but it also prevents us from truly changing through the miracle of the Savior’s Atonement.

What is artificial discipleship?

READ K

K - The Church is not an automobile showroom—a place to put ourselves on display so that others can admire our spirituality, capacity, or prosperity. It is more like a service center, where vehicles in need of repair come for maintenance and rehabilitation.

And are we not, all of us, in need of repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation?

We come to church not to hide our problems but to heal them.

Q: Why is there sometimes a tendency to hide our problems from others at church?


1. (be do talk negatively about things the don't understand, so we want to withdraw, not share our wound, rather do that we hide our problems)

2. (people have a tendancy to believe that we live in a true world, which means people deserve what they get, if poor, deserve to be poor, trouble with family, not righteous enough. This is the last thing I need: to share a trouble and be put down.

3. We don’t value the strengths that we have. We take them for granted. And we think that everybody else should have the same strengths and that something must be wrong with them if they don’t. So, why share? We hide.
CONCLUSION

May We Love as He Loved

Brethren, being genuine to the gospel is to be agents of Jesus Christ, to love as He loved, to serve as He served, to “lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees," to “look [after] the poor and the needy,” and to care for the widows and orphans.

Faith verses Works - Discussion Question and Response

Scott,

Discussion of the Day:

Both my wife and Batman's girlfriend would disagree with you and the so called softer approach some say the church is taking.... Batman's girlfriend said:  "It is not who you are that defines you, but what you do." 

Of course you could say it is both......but Batman's girlfriend would say that what you do....is who you are.  Period....There is no difference. If what you do defines you, then that must be true.

One of the Grumpest men I knew, died a few years back. He was so cantackerous, that in my fairwell speech in Calif to the ward I said  "I will even miss Jim Johnson."   It brought the house down. This man was a man of little words, and all work. He generally did not like what people did and did not greet people. He would not accept any church callings, but ward financial clerk. He was clerk for forty years. He always said what he felt and disregarded the outcome, or so it seemed. but.....He was a better man than me. 

I think, it is what you do that defines you....Hopefully treating people with respect and kindness will count also as doing.  So doing the numbers on good deeds, may be the defining factor, not the fact you are a nice guy and have become Christ like in your behavior.

 Or if you are Christ like in your behavior, maybe you are always serving people in different ways. Can  you serve with a bad attitude and it still be good?

If you are a Billonaire and give away millions and travel around helping people are you better off than the billionaire that gives away his billions to the poor and only keeps a few million for himself. Do you have to like people and be friendly to enter the kingdom of God or just keep the commandments. Can you love one another and not want to be around people? Can you treat people like shit and enter the kingdom of Heaven, if you do good deeds constantly?  What da ya think? Is not being a people person ok? Is being a Jerk ok? 

Doug

Doug,



Here are my thoughts.



Everyone has the right to believe what they want. I do not judge. Everyone is at different places on their journey back to God.

I think the discussion boils down to doing good works vs. the development of Christ-like qualities. And how does personality play into it. And is a person always showing their faith when they do good works.

I don’t see in the discussion below any references to scripture, only what you might refer to as practical application. Can you back up your arguments with scripture? Please do.

There are a preponderance of scripture that say both: the development of Christ-like attributes and doing good works.

It is my belief that one generally follows the other. It works the other way too but not as well. Gaining a hope in Christ or reconciling yourself to Christ is one’s first ‘work’. Permitting Christ to dissolve our anger, our discontent, our lust, our desire for retaliation, our intransigence – is the first step and also a lifelong process. It is called faith in Christ. Since we will never be perfect, we need Christ’s grace as long we sojourn on this earth. Now, let’s reverse the order: works first and then faith. It doesn’t work as well. One always exercises faith first or they would never to the work. So, it boils down to what we prioritize as most important. Is the first step releasing all our burdens to the Lord or is it just jumping into good works?

I tried the works approach for 30 years. And I received the results, some good some bad. I blessed the lives of others grudgingly, I did all the Church laws, but much of the time faith and love were not attached. I focused on outward works, being a good ‘faithful’ Mormon but didn’t focus on the inward. The results: I didn’t curb my bad habits until the last ten years. The outer vessel looked all clean and white but my inner vessel (lack of what you call being ‘soft’) was still full of refuse and unhappiness. Now, this was mostly due to growing up in a dysfunctional home environment developing and internalizing bad habits. It is the fallen man.

Mormon says, “For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither will he give a good gift. (Moroni 7:8-10)”

If I choose to believe the scriptures, they seem to indicated to work on the inner vessel first. Giving with a bad attitude means nothing to God.

Christ’s commandments are the inner commandments (3 Nephi 15:10). See chapters 12-15 for Jesus’ commandments.  See also 3 Nephi 12:20. Doug, when you refer to commandments, I’m not sure what you are referring to. Christ’s wants to heal the billionaire just like he wants to heal you. Jesus did talk in very specific terms about the rich, having to give it all up (you interpret this as keeping his millions for himself – and I don’t judge the interpretation). The rich must give a whole lot and do it because they want to – to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. That is what the scriptures say. Again, the key is to work on gaining a hope in Christ.

Good works flow from all ‘soft’ people that have sought the kingdom of God first. Works flow from faith. The inner changes that we must make are the main work, at least at first. Let me know if you would like more scriptures to show this to be the case.



Scott

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.

The Lord Is My Light, HP Lesson, September 2015

The Lord Is My Light


By Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

LEARNER READINESS

SAY: Brad Wilcox - parable of the school bus.

READ A

A - Our ability to stand firm and true and follow the Savior despite the vicissitudes of life is greatly strengthened by righteous families and Christ-centered unity in our wards and branches.

Q: What is the definition of vicissitude?

LEARNER INVOLVEMENT

READ B

B - The clamor that reverberates across the earth because of worldly wickedness creates feelings of vulnerability. With modern communication the impact of iniquity, inequality, and injustice leaves many feeling that life is inherently unfair. As significant as these trials can be, they must not distract us from rejoicing in and celebrating Christ’s supernal intercession in our behalf. The Savior literally “gained the victory over death.” With mercy and compassion He took upon Himself our iniquity and transgressions, thus redeeming us and satisfying the demands of justice for all who would repent and believe on His name.

SAY; EC says that life is inherently unfair.  They can create significant trials for us.
Q: Why does EC say that they must not distract us from rejoicing in and celebrating Christ's supernal intercession in our behalf?  

READ C

C - His magnificent atoning sacrifice is of transcendent significance beyond mortal comprehension. This act of grace provides the peace that surpasses understanding. Philippians 4:7


Q: Why is it meaningful to you that Christ satisfied the demands of justice and has encircled you in the arms of safety?

READ Alma 34:16

16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.

SAY: EC says "this act of grace provides the peace that surpasses understanding?
Q: What is grace?
Q: How does grace help you in your daily life?
Q: How do we gain access to grace?

SAY: EC tells a story about sunflowers growing in the most inhospitable places.   He concludes the story by saying:

READ D

D - Like the young sunflower, when we follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, we flourish and become glorious despite the many terrible circumstances that surround us. He truly is our light and life.

Q Why is this the case?

LEARNER APPLICATION

SAY: Let's move on to the application phase of lesson.  EC talks about the importance of the family.

READ E

E - Our ability to stand firm and true and follow the Savior despite the vicissitudes of life is greatly strengthened by righteous families and Christ-centered unity in our wards and branches.

Q: What are some of the attributes of Christ-centered family?
WRITE: [Family: family prayer, scripture study, FHE, priesthood blessings, Sabbath day observance, acceptance, peace,
Q: How about a loving atmosphere?  Listen to what EC has to say:

READ  F

F - The role of the family in God’s plan is “to bring us happiness, to help us learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and to prepare us for eternal life.” The beautiful traditions of religious observance in the home need to be embedded in the hearts of our children.

SAY: Let talk about the culture of the ward.

READ G

G - In the world there is rampant contention and iniquity and a major emphasis on divergent cultures and inequality. In the Church, except for language units, our wards and branches are geographical. We don’t divide by class or rank. We rejoice in the fact that all races and cultures are mixed together in a righteous congregation. Our ward family is important to our progress, happiness, and personal effort to be more Christlike.

Q: What are some of the attributes of Christ-centered unity in a ward?

WRITE: [Ward: Accepting, not judging,

Q: Why is contention so debilitating?

SAY: Let's listen to what EC wants each ward culture to aspire to.

READ H

H - There is no better starting point in the scriptures than 4 Nephi for a description of the Church culture that is essential for all of us. In verse 2 it reads in part, “The people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.” In verse 16 we read, “And surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.” The fact that there was no contention was attributed to “the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people." This is the culture to which we aspire.

Q: What does EC what our ward to aspire to?

READ I

I - Even with diversity of languages and beautiful, uplifting cultural traditions, we must have hearts knit in unity and love. The Lord has stated emphatically: “Let every man esteem his brother as himself. … Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” While we treasure appropriate cultural diversities, our goal is to be united in the culture, customs, and traditions of the gospel of Jesus Christ in every respect.

Q: How does a ward get to a place where their hearts are knit together in unity and love?

CONCLUSION

READ

Our protections in this life and for eternity will be in individual and family righteousness, Church ordinances, and following the Savior. This is our refuge from the storm. For those who feel they are alone, you can stand resolutely in righteousness knowing that the Atonement will protect and bless you beyond your ability to fully understand.

We should remember the Savior, keep our covenants, and follow the Son of God as the young sunflower follows the sunshine. Following His light and example will bring us joy, happiness, and peace. As Psalm 27 and a favorite hymn both proclaim, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

SAY: Following Christ brings me joy, happiness and peace.  It has blessed my life.  This grace that we are under [or the atonement] has protected and blessed you and I beyond our ability to fully understand.  Amen.