Our stake, along with all the other stakes of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico participated in a sattelite broadcast from SLC. I jotted down a few notes.
Elder Marlin K. Jensen talked about translating beliefs into action. He quoted Mosiah 4:10 where King Benjamin said, "If ye believe all these things see that ye do them." Covenants help us link beliefs into actions and ordinances.
He talked about a prosperity study that was done on a bunch of nations. The one thing that was consistently linked to a nations prosperity was not resources, race or education; rather it was contract-keeping. He then told of the example of Zoram and Nephi. So strong were oaths in Nephi's time, that when Zoram made an oath that he would not try to flee from them, Nephi and his brothers were relieved - they did not have to worry about Zoram. He said, in the end, after all has been said and done, all that will matter will be if you have kept your word - your covenants. He also reminded us all of Karl G. Maeser's quote: "I have been asked what I mean by 'word of honor.' I will tell you. Place me behind prison walls--walls of stone ever so high, ever so thick, reaching ever so far into the ground--there is a possibility that in some way or another I may escape; but stand me on the floor and draw a chalk line around me and have me give my word of honor never to cross it. Can I get out of the circle? No. Never! I'd die first!"
Sister Ann M. Dibb spoke next. She spoke of virtue. She talked about a sister from Nacogdoches who lived a virtuous life. She said that everything this sister did or said was centered around being a Mormon. This sister said, "being a member of the Church was a party of my identity." Sister Dibb also spoke of PROS. P for pray; R for read from the Book of Mormon; O for obeay the standards; and S for smile!
Elder Ballard spoke next. He gave some stats ... 75 stakes + 3 districts in Texas/OK/NM. There are over 380,000 members in those 3 states. He spoke a bit about Lucien Woodards? He was sent from the Prophet Joseph Smith to see about a land purchase in Texas. Zodiac, Texas was first settled by members.
He then spoke of keeping the doctrine of Christ simple. He then discussed and commented on the first principals and ordiances of the Gospel as outlined in the 4th Article of Faith. He also included the enduring to the end. With regard to enduring to the end, he related a story. There was this 90-year-old patriarch in his ward. He prayed every night to die in faithfulness. Elder Ballard approached this brother and asked him "aren't you safe?" This brother grabbed Elder Ballad by the lapels of his jacket and said, "look me in the eyes! No man is ever safe until he endures to the very end!"
Lastly, President Monson spoke. His talk was very similiar to several talks he's given recently. The topic was rescueing. Our ward has been focused on rescueing ... members, ancestors, and neighbors who are not of our faith. He has referred several times to the painting by J.M.W. Turner entitled Shipwreck, the Rescue. President Monson calls this painting To the Rescue! I did some searching a while back and finally found the painting. I'll include it here for reference.
Sunday May 9, 2010
"Chapter 9: Prophets of God,” Gospel Principles, (2009), 39-43
Opening
Goal of the Lesson
To develop an understanding of the roles of prophets and to strengthen our testimonies of the living oracles of God.
Agenda
1. Prophets Are God’s Representatives on the Earth
2. Through the Ages God Has Called Prophets to Lead Mankind
3. We Have a Living Prophet on the Earth Today
4. We Should Sustain the Lord’s Prophet
5. Great Blessings Follow Obedience to the Prophet
Body
Prophets Are God’s Representatives on the Earth
What powers and gifts does a prophet have?
From “The Guide to the Scriptures” under Prophet, “A person who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of God, a prophet receives commandments, prophecies, and revelations from God. His responsibility is to make known God’s will and true character to mankind and to show the meaning of his dealings with them. A prophet denounces sin and foretells its consequences. He is a preacher of righteousness. On occasion, prophets may be inspired to foretell the future for the benefit of mankind. His primary responsibility, however, is to bear witness of Christ. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s prophet on earth today. Members of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators.”
Ninth Article of Faith: “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”
Through the Ages God Has Called Prophets to Lead Mankind
In what ways have prophets guided God’s children in the past?
Moses led the Children of Israel out of Egypt.
Lehi and Nephi started a civilization.
Mormon compiled the Book of Mormon.
Joseph Smith restored the Gospel.
John the Baptist prepared the people for Jesus Christ.
What have you learned from the lives and teachings of prophets?
Personally, as I’ve read the Book of Mormon recently, I’ve been greatly impressed with the urgency the prophets of the Book of Mormon taught the people about Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is indeed another testament of Jesus Christ.
We Have a Living Prophet on the Earth Today
Why do we need a living prophet today?
D&C 43:25 says, “How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and by mine own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes, and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgment, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but ye would not!”
The missionaries recently visited us for dinner. Elder Clove and Lybbert gave a great spiritual thought. We were sitting in the living room. In the little hall at our entrance hangs a picture of Jesus Christ. Elder Clove had Erick stand in that hallway. As we sat in the living room, we could not see the picture of Jesus, but Erick could. Elder Clove taught us that just as Erick could see Jesus and tell us that the picture was there, so can the prophets tell us that Jesus lives and they can tell us the will of the Lord.
The living prophet knows the will of the Lord and as such he is the one person who has the right to receive revelation for the Church.
We depend on the prophet for that revelation. He can steer us in ways we cannot. We need that guidance if we want to be happy and return our Heavenly Fathers.
President Eyring said, “Looking for the path to safety in the counsel of prophets makes sense to those with strong faith. When a prophet speaks, those with little faith may think that they hear only a wise man giving good advice. Then if his counsel seems comfortable and reasonable, squaring with what they want to do, they take it. If it does not, they either consider it faulty advice or they see their circumstances as justifying their being an exception to the counsel. Those without faith may think that they hear only men seeking to exert influence for some selfish motive. They may mock and deride, as did a man named Korihor, with these words recorded in the Book of Mormon: “And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges” (Alma 30:27).”
“Korihor was arguing, as men and women have falsely argued from the beginning of time, that to take counsel from the servants of God is to surrender God-given rights of independence. But the argument is false because it misrepresents reality. When we reject the counsel that comes from God, we do not choose to be independent of outside influence. We choose another influence. We reject the protection of a perfectly loving, all-powerful, all-knowing Father in Heaven, whose whole purpose, as that of His Beloved Son, is to give us eternal life, to give us all that He has, and to bring us home again in families to the arms of His love. In rejecting His counsel, we choose the influence of another power, whose purpose is to make us miserable and whose motive is hatred. We have moral agency as a gift of God. Rather than the right to choose to be free of influence, it is the inalienable right to submit ourselves to whichever of those powers we choose.”(Henry B. Eyring, “Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, Jun 2008, 4–9)
In what ways has the living prophet influenced the Church?
At least in my lifetime, it seems that each of the prophets has a “theme” they wish to teach the Church. President Kimball was the prophet when I was born. I remember listening to him at General Conference. When he died, it felt a little shocking. President Benson became the prophet. He seems to be remembered for his teaching of the Book of Mormon and his talks on pride. President Hunter was prophet for a mere nine months. I was called as a missionary under President Hunter. His theme from the very beginning was for all the saints to attend and love the temple. When he passed away, President Hinckley became the prophet. In his first press conference, he said his theme would be to “carry on.” Indeed he carried on by presiding over an explosion of temple building. In 1998, there were only 51 temples. He set a goal to have 100 temples in operation by 2001. There were 102 temples built before 2001. Under his direction, the number of temples grew from 47 to 124.
Now President Monson is the prophet. What do you think his “theme” is?
We Should Sustain the Lord’s Prophet
President Uchtdorf said, “Only a few years ago, in a First Presidency Message, President Thomas S. Monson said: “The problems of our day loom ominously before us. Surrounded by the sophistication of modern living, we look heavenward for that unfailing sense of direction, that we might chart and follow a wise and proper course. He whom we call our Heavenly Father will not leave our sincere petition unanswered.”
“We have a living prophet on the face of the earth again, even President Thomas S. Monson. He knows our challenges and fears. He has inspired answers. There is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can each be an influence for good in this world by following the commandments of God and relying on true repentance, the power of the Atonement, and the miracle of forgiveness.
“The prophets speak to us in the name of the Lord and in divine plainness. As the Book of Mormon confirms, “For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding” (2 Nephi 31:3).
“It is our responsibility not only to listen but also to act upon His word that we may claim the blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel. He said, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C 82:10).
“There may be times when we feel overwhelmed, hurt, or on the edge of discouragement as we are trying so hard to be perfect members of the Church. Be assured, there is balm in Gilead. Let us listen to the prophets of our day as they help us to focus on the things that are central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The Lord knows us, He loves us, He wants us to succeed, and He encourages us by saying: “And see that all … things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [men or women] should run faster than [they have] strength. … [But] it is expedient that [they] should be diligent” (Mosiah 4:27)” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Heeding the Voice of the Prophets,” Ensign, Jul 2008, 4–7)
As a side note, it is interesting that in June 2008, President Eyring spoke of prophets and then in July 2008, President Uchtdorf wrote on the same topic.
What can we do to follow and sustain the prophet?
We should pray for him.
We should study his words.
We should follow his inspired teachings completely.
What has the President of the Church taught or emphasized recently?
In the Priesthood session in the April conference last month, he taught that we should consider our callings, reflect on our responsibilities and that we should follow Christ. In the Sunday morning session, he taught about the resurrected Christ.
Great Blessings follow Obedience to the Prophet
What experiences have you had when you have obeyed the counsel of the prophet?
President Eyring said, “Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or decided that I was an exception, I came to know that I had put myself in harm’s way. Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety. Along the path, I have found that the way had been prepared for me and the rough places made smooth. God led me to safety along a path that was prepared with loving care, sometimes prepared long before.” (June 2008)
President Eyring recounts a story of a man who followed the counsel of the prophet. “An example from Church history is that of Reddick Newton Allred. He was one of the rescue party sent out by President Brigham Young (1801–77) to bring in the Willie and Martin handcart companies. At the Sweetwater River near South Pass, Captain George Grant asked Reddick Allred to remain there with a few men and wagons and be ready to help when the rescuers returned with the handcart pioneers.
“The rescuers found the Willie company mired in the snow, freezing, starving, and dying. Some of the rescuers continued to search for the Martin company, while the others helped the Willie company make that heartrending pull up and over Rocky Ridge. Soon after they made camp, Reddick Allred and his men came to deliver essential assistance and supplies.
“Allred then waited for Captain Grant to return with the Martin company. Week after week passed with no sign of them. As blizzards howled and the weather became life threatening, two of the men decided it was foolish to stay. They thought the Martin company had either wintered over somewhere or perished. They decided to return to the Salt Lake Valley and tried to persuade everyone else to do the same. Allred refused to budge. President Young had sent them out, and Captain Grant, Reddick Allred’s priesthood leader, had told him to wait there.
“Those who returned took several wagons, filled with needed supplies, and started back to the Salt Lake Valley. Even more tragic, they turned back 77 wagons that were coming from the valley to help. Some of these wagons returned all the way to Big Mountain before messengers sent by President Young met them and turned them back around.
“Finally, more than three weeks after Reddick Allred had assisted the Willie company, Captain Grant arrived with the Martin company. These pioneers were even more destitute and had suffered dozens of deaths. Captain Grant’s rescue team was small and low on provisions—and still more than 200 miles (320 km) from the Salt Lake Valley. Once again, because Reddick Allred had stayed true to his assignment, even in the most trying circumstances, he was able to provide life-sustaining assistance and supplies.” (June 2008)
Close
Bear testimony of the importance of prophets.
Personally speaking, the time President Hinckley and Elder Nelson came to Guatemala stands out foremost in my mind. Both missionaries and members travelled from all over the country to Guatemala City to listen to the prophet speak. I remember getting up early in the morning to board a charter bus to drive to the capital. The bus was so full, I ended up sitting on the floor. When we got there, it was a beautiful day. As all of us missionaries entered the stake center, the feeling of overwhelming joy came over me. I felt immensely happy. Then 600 missionaries all sang at once, “We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet.” I had Goosebumps all over. The Spirit was strong and I doubt I’ll ever forget the feelings I felt that day. (Read article of his visit on the Church News website.)
I know the living prophets are indeed prophets of God and they will lead us to salvation.
One of the neatest things about the Internet is being able to hear a prophet testify to you directly at any time of the day.
Here is a precious video of President Hinckley speaking to the British saints. Watching this brought tears to my eyes. I'm sure it will do the same to you.
Watch this video of President Monson share his testimony from the recent General Conference.
Opening Goal of the Lesson
To learn of the mission of the Holy Ghost and how He works in our lives.
Agenda
1. The Holy Ghost Came to Adam and Eve
2. Attributes of the Holy Ghost
3. The Mission of the Holy Ghost
Body The Holy Ghost Came to Adam and Eve
Why did Adam and Eve need the guidance of the Holy Ghost?
• They would need to be led and guided in their life.
• Their children would need to be led and guided.
How is our need for guidance from the Holy Ghost similar to that of Adam and Eve?
• No Father would send His children off to a distant, dangerous land for a lifetime of testing where Lucifer was known to roam free without first providing them with a personal power of protection. He would also supply them with means to communicate with Him from Father to child and from child to Father. Every child of our Father sent to earth is provided with the Spirit of Christ, or the Light of Christ. We are, none of us, left here alone without hope of guidance and redemption. (Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 43–46)
o What is difference between Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost?
• Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance helpful to resolve challenges in their lives by following the example of respected individuals who resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us. Personally, I rejoice in that reality because it creates a condition where we, of necessity, are more dependent upon the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore, we are led to seek personal inspiration in life’s important decisions. (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 6–9)
Attributes of the Holy Ghost
How does the Holy Ghost differ from the Father and the Son?
• His is a spirit (he has no body)
• He has a unique mission as a member of the Godhead
Why is that difference important to us?
• From the book, “the Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth.”
• From the book, “the Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father’s messenger and is a special gift to us.”
• Joseph Smith said, “There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this sign or ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him. [See Acts 10:1–48.] (“Chapter 7: Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007),88–100)
The Mission of the Holy Ghost
What are some of the truths that the Holy Ghost reveals to us?
• He bears witness of Jesus Christ in all ages (D&C 20:25-27)
• He reveals to us that we are children of God and that we can become like Him (Romans 8:16-17)
• He reveals the truth of all things to us (Moroni 10:5)
The Holy Ghost bears a special witness in a way that we cannot deny it.
From the book: “When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into to soul and are more difficult to erase.” (p. 33 emphasis added)
Commentary: I've never heard this quote before, and when I read it, I was a bit taken back. So powerful (and important) is the Holy Ghost, that even a visit from Jesus Christ is not as powerful as impressions from the Holy Ghost. Do we really understand how powerful a gift we have? What are we doing to use that precious gift? Jesus understood how powerful the Holy Ghost is as well. Read 3 Nephi 19:9-22.
“Now, if you have the Holy Ghost with you—and every one ought to have—I can say unto you that there is no greater gift, there is no greater blessing, there is no greater testimony given to any man on earth. You may have the administration of angels; you may see many miracles; you may see many wonders in the earth; but I claim that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man. It is by this power that we have performed that which we have. It is this that sustains us through all the persecutions, trials and tribulations that come upon us.” (“Chapter 5: The Holy Ghost and Personal Revelation,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, 46)
From the book, “As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should make ourselves worthy to receive this special messenger and witness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
“You can know of things you need to know. Pray that you will learn to receive that inspiration and remain worthy to receive it. Keep that channel – your mind – clean and free from the clutter of the world.” (Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 43–46)
Share some times the Holy Ghost has helped you grow in your testimony.
Sunday March 21, 2010 "Chapter 6: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Gospel Principles, (2009), 26–30
Opening
Goal of the Lesson
To develop an appreciation and gratitude for Adam and Eve for choosing to commence mortality for the rest of humankind.
Agenda
1.Adam and Eve Were the First to Come to Earth
2.The Garden of Eden
3.Adam and Eve's Separation from God
4.Great Blessings Resulted from the Transgression
Body
Adam and Eve Were the First to Come to Earth
What evidence helps us know that Adam and Eve were valiant spirits?
They were pioneers (Moses 1:34, 4:26) and generally speaking, you would have to be valiant and faithful to be a pioneer. They were to “set the tone” for the rest of us.
Adam was Michael the archangel who led the battle against Satan and a third of the hosts of heaven (see D&C 27:11 and Revelation 12:7-9)
What can we learn from the examples of Adam and Eve?
The Garden of Eden
Under what conditions did Adam and Even live in the Garden of Eden?
From the book “When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were not yet mortal. In this state, “they would have had no children” (2 Nephi 2:23). There was no death. They had physical life because their spirits were housed in physical bodies made from the dust of the earth (see Moses 6:59; Abraham 5:7). They had spiritual life because they were in the presence of God. They had not yet made a choice between good and evil.
God commanded them to have children. He said, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and have dominion over … every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Moses 2:28). God told them they could freely eat of every tree in the garden except one, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Of that tree God said, “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Moses 3:17).
Satan, not knowing the mind of God but seeking to destroy God’s plan, came to Eve in the Garden of Eden. He tempted her to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He assured her that she and Adam would not die, but that they would “be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Moses 4:11). Eve yielded to the temptation and ate the fruit. When Adam learned what had happened, he chose to partake also. The changes that came upon Adam and Eve because they ate the fruit are called the Fall.”
Adam and Eve's Separation from God
What physical and spiritual changes occurred in Adam and Even as a result of their transgression?
Physically, they became mortal – subject to death.
Spiritually, they were separated from the presence of God.
Because of these two changes, they had “fallen.”
Great Blessings Resulted from the Transgression
How does the Fall provide opportunities for us to become like Heavenly Father?
Joseph Fielding Smith said, "When Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, he was in the presence of God our Eternal Father. He talked with the Father and the Father with him. But something happened, and it had to happen: Adam partook of certain fruit. My Bible, the King James Version, [speaks in a commentator’s note] of Adam’s Fall [as] “man’s shameful fall.” Well, it wasn’t a shameful fall at all.
Adam came here to bring mortality upon the earth, and that resulted in the shutting out from the presence of the Eternal Father of both Adam and Eve and their posterity. The Son of God comes upon the scene from that time henceforth as our Redeemer. … It is the Savior who stands between mankind and our Heavenly Father. … The Son is the mediator between mankind and the Eternal Father. You seldom hear a prayer that isn’t offered to our Heavenly Father in the name of His Beloved Son, and that’s right. Christ came into this world to represent His Father. He came into this world to teach mankind who His Father is, why we should worship Him, how we should worship Him. He performed the greatest work that was ever performed in this mortal world by the shedding of His blood, which paid a debt that mankind owes to the Eternal Father, and which debt we inherited after the Fall of Adam.
They Opened the Door
Adam did only what he had to do. He partook of that fruit for one good reason, and that was to open the door to bring you and me and everyone else into this world, for Adam and Eve could have remained in the Garden of Eden; they could have been there to this day, if Eve hadn’t done something.
One of these days, if I ever get to where I can speak to Mother Eve, I want to thank her for tempting Adam to partake of the fruit. He accepted the temptation, with the result that children came into this world. … If she hadn't had that influence over Adam, and if Adam had done according to the commandment first given to him, they would still be in the Garden of Eden and we would not be here at all. We wouldn’t have come into this world. So the commentators made a great mistake when they put in the Bible … “man’s shameful fall.”
Well, that was what the Lord expected Adam to do, because that opened the door to mortality; and we came here into this mortal world to receive a training in mortality that we could not get anywhere else or in any other way. We came here into this world to partake of all the vicissitudes, to receive the lessons that we receive in mortality from or in a mortal world. And so we become subject to pain, to sickness. We are blessed for keeping the commandments of the Lord with all that He has given us, which, if we will follow and be true and faithful, will bring us back again into the presence of God our Eternal Father, as sons and daughters of God, entitled to the fulness of celestial glory.
Privileged to Be Mortal
That great blessing of celestial glory could never have come to us without a period of time in mortality, and so we came here in this mortal world. We are in school, the mortal school, to gain the experiences, the training, the joys, and the sufferings that we partake of, that we might be educated in all these things and be prepared, if we are faithful and true to the commandments of the Lord, to become sons and daughters of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ; and in His presence to go on to a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever, and perhaps through our faithfulness to have the opportunity of building worlds and peopling them.
Brethren and sisters, let’s thank the Lord, when we pray, for Adam. If it hadn’t been for Adam, I wouldn’t be here; you wouldn’t be here; we would be waiting in the heavens as spirits pleading for somebody … to pass through a certain condition that brought upon us mortality.
We are in the mortal life to get an experience, a training, that we couldn’t get any other way. And in order [for us] to become gods, it is necessary for us to know something about pain, about sickness, and about the other things that we partake of in this school of mortality.
So don’t let us, brethren and sisters, complain about Adam and wish he hadn’t done something that he did. I want to thank him. I am glad to have the privilege of being here and going through mortality, and if I will be true and faithful to the covenants and obligations that are upon me as a member of the Church and in the kingdom of God, I may have the privilege of coming back into the presence of the Eternal Father; and that will come to you as it will to me, sons and daughters of God entitled to the fulness of celestial glory. (Joseph Fielding Smith, “Adam’s Role in Bringing Us Mortality,” Ensign, Jan 2006, 52–53)
From the June 2006 Ensign …
Most Christian churches teach that the Fall was a tragedy, that if Adam and Eve had not partaken of the forbidden fruit, they and all their posterity could now be living in immortal bliss in the Garden of Eden. But truth revealed to latter-day prophets teaches that the Fall was not a tragedy—without it Adam and Eve would have had no posterity. Thus, the Fall was a necessary step in Heavenly Father’s plan to bring about the eternal happiness of His children.
No Death, No Posterity, No Progress
“If Adam had not transgressed,” Lehi taught his son Jacob, “he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. …
“And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
“But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:22–25).
After Adam and Eve partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened, and Eve expressed gladness at the opportunity their transgression made possible: “Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient” (Moses 5:11).
Partaking of the fruit brought mortality, with its many opportunities to choose between good and evil, and enabled Adam and Eve to have children. Thus the Fall opened the door for Heavenly Father’s children to come into the world, obtain physical bodies, and participate in “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). “Therefore this life became a probationary state,” a time to learn and grow, to repent and overcome weakness, “a time to prepare to meet God” (Alma 12:24).
Transgression, Not Sin
President JosephFielding Smith (1876–1972) said: “I never speak of the part Eve took in this fall as a sin, nor do I accuse Adam of a sin. … This was a transgression of the law, but not a sin … for it was something that Adam and Eve had to do!” 1
Regarding this distinction, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed: “This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: ‘We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression’ (emphasis added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall.” 2
Even though Adam and Eve had not sinned, because of their transgression they had to face certain consequences, two of which were spiritual death and physical death. Physical death came to Adam and Eve at the end of their earthly lives, but spiritual death occurred as they were cast out of the Garden of Eden, being cut off from the presence of God (see Alma 42:9).
Original Sin
The result of our first parents’ transgression, explained President Smith, “was banishment from the presence of God and bringing … physical death into the world. The majority … [of Christians] maintain that every child born into this world is tainted with ‘original sin,’ or partakes of Adam’s transgression in his birth. The second Article of Faith contradicts this foolish and erroneous doctrine.” 3 All descendants of Adam and Eve inherit certain effects from the Fall, but because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ we are held accountable only for our own sins. Children who die before the age of accountability are “alive in Christ” (Moro. 8:12) and have no need of repentance or baptism (see Moro. 8:8–11).
Commandments in the Garden
The Lord gave Adam and Eve commandments in the Garden of Eden, two of which were to multiply and replenish the earth (see Gen. 1:28) and to not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (see Gen. 2:17). These two commandments were designed to place Adam and Eve in a position where they had to make a choice. President Smith taught: “The Lord said to Adam that if he wished to remain as he was in the garden, then he was not to eat the fruit, but if he desired to eat it and partake of death he was at liberty to do so.” 4 Faced with this dilemma, Adam and Eve chose death—both physical and spiritual—which opened the door for themselves and their posterity to gain knowledge and experience and to participate in the Father’s plan of happiness leading to eternal life. ("The Fulness of the Gospel: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Ensign, Jun 2006, 48–49)
The lesson should give an opportunity to all to briefly recall the Plan of Salvation and then to understand the critical role Jesus Christ plays in that plan.
"For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
"And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.
"For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
Agenda
1. A Savior and Leader Was Needed
2. Jesus Christ Became Our Chosen Leader and Savior
3. The War in Heaven
4. We Have the Savior's Teachings to Follow
Body
A Savior and Leader Was Needed
Rough outline of Plan of Salvation with Savior playing critical role in the plan
Why did we need to leave Heavenly Father's presence?
"The object of our earthly existence is that we may have a fulness of joy, and that we may become the sons and daughters of God, in the fullest sense of the word, being heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ [see Romans 8:14–17], to be kings and priests unto God, to inherit glory, dominion, exaltation, thrones and every power and attribute developed and possessed by our Heavenly Father. This is the object of our being on this earth. In order to attain unto this exalted position, it is necessary that we go through this mortal experience, or probation, by which we may prove ourselves worthy, through the aid of our elder brother Jesus.
The object of our being here is to do the will of the Father as it is done in heaven, to work righteousness in the earth, to subdue wickedness and put it under our feet, to conquer sin and the adversary of our souls, to rise above the imperfections and weaknesses of poor, fallen humanity, by the inspiration of Almighty God and his power made manifest, and thus become indeed the saints and servants of the Lord in the earth." (“Chapter 17: The Great Plan of Life and Salvation,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, 147)
Why do we need a Savoir?
All of us will fall short of perfection.
"For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made." (Alma 34:9 emphasis added)
"When Adam intentionally and wisely partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, he brought upon all of us, his descendants, two deaths—the physical or “mortal death,” and the spiritual death or the banishment from the presence of the Lord.
"In God’s divine plan, provision was made for a redeemer to break the bonds of death and, through the resurrection, make possible the reunion of the spirits and bodies of all persons who had dwelt on earth.
"Jesus was willing to come to the earth, give His life for us, and take upon Himself our sins. He, like our Heavenly Father, wanted us to choose whether we would obey Heavenly Father’s commandments. He knew we must be free to choose in order to prove ourselves worthy of exaltation. Jesus said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2).
"Satan, who was called Lucifer, also came, saying, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). Satan wanted to force us all to do his will. Under his plan, we would not be allowed to choose. He would take away the freedom of choice that our Father had given us. Satan wanted to have all the honor for our salvation. Under his proposal, our purpose in coming to earth would have been frustrated (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 207)." (“Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior,” Gospel Principles, (2009),13–16)
"And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.
"Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters." (Ether 3:13-14)
Jesus declares His mission.
“I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. … And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:38, 40).
The War in Heaven
From the book
"Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. There was war in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus Christ and His followers. The Savior’s followers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11)"
President Hinckley discusses this War in Heaven and how it continues today.
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
“And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7–9).
"That war, so bitter, so intense, has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every kind of evil practice to thwart the work of Christ."
…
"Notwithstanding the present strength of the Church, it seems that we are constantly under attack from one quarter or another. But we go on. We must go on. We have gone forward, and we will continue to go forward. In some seasons the issues are major. At other times they are only local skirmishes. But they are all part of a pattern.
"Opposition has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standards of this work of God.
"The war goes on. It is as it was in the beginning. There may not be the intensity, and I am grateful for that. But the principles at issue are the same. The victims who fall are as precious as those who have fallen in the past. It is an ongoing battle. The men of the priesthood, with the daughters of God who are our companions and allies, are all part of the army of the Lord. We must be united. An army that is disorganized will not be victorious. It is imperative that we close ranks, that we march together as one. We cannot have division among us and expect victory. We cannot have disloyalty and expect unity. We cannot be unclean and expect the help of the Almighty." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Unending Conflict, a Victory Assured,” Ensign, Jun 2007, 2–7)
We Have the Savior's Teachings to Follow
The War in Heaven continues today and will continue to the end of time. But we have the Savior's teachings to help us.
President Hinckley spoke in the October General Conference in 2001 … just a month after the September 11 attacks. In his closing remarks he said, "Now, brothers and sisters, we must do our duty, whatever that duty might be. Peace may be denied for a season. Some of our liberties may be curtailed. We may be inconvenienced. We may even be called on to suffer in one way or another. But God our Eternal Father will watch over this nation and all of the civilized world who look to Him. He has declared, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 33:12). Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God.
Let us be prayerful. Let us pray for righteousness. Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. Let us stand firm against evil, both at home and abroad. Let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven, reforming our lives where necessary and looking to Him, the Father of us all. He has said, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10)."
Take a couple of minutes to discuss why we are studying Gospel Principles in 2010 and 2011.
Elder Nelson explains why we are using Gospel Principles; "Since we first began using Teachings, millions of people have joined the Church. Many of them have tender testimonies and, with relatively limited experience in the Church, will benefit greatly by a focus on the fundamentals of the gospel. In addition, all Church members will benefit by a return to the basics. A careful study of core doctrines as presented in the new and improved Gospel Principles manual will help members strengthen their understanding of the fundamental teachings of the gospel." Russell M. Nelson, “The New Gospel Principles Manual,” Ensign, Jan 2010, 28–31
You may also discuss some of the changes to the new Gospel Principles (design, text, teaching and learning suggestions).
Goal of the Lesson
The Elders should gain a desire to learn more about our Father in Heaven. The Elders should come to learn why they need to study the Nature of God; why they should seek to know God.
Joseph Smith said. “There are but a very few beings in the world who understand rightly the character of God. The great majority of mankind do not comprehend anything, either that which is past, or that which is to come, as it respects their relationship to God. They do not know, neither do they understand the nature of that relationship; and consequently they know but little above the brute beast, or more than to eat, drink and sleep. This is all man knows about God or His existence, unless it is given by the inspiration of the Almighty.
“If a man learns nothing more than to eat, drink and sleep, and does not comprehend any of the designs of God, the beast comprehends the same things. It eats, drinks, sleeps, and knows nothing more about God; yet it knows as much as we, unless we are able to comprehend by the inspiration of Almighty God. If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves. I want to go back to the beginning, and so lift your minds into more lofty spheres and a more exalted understanding than what the human mind generally aspires to.
“… The scriptures inform us that ‘This is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.’ [John 17:3.]
“If any man does not know God, and inquires what kind of a being He is,—if he will search diligently his own heart—if the declaration of Jesus and the apostles be true, he will realize that he has not eternal life; for there can be eternal life on no other principle.
“My first object is to find out the character of the only wise and true God, and what kind of a being He is. …
“God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens! That is the great secret. If the veil were rent today, and the great God who holds this world in its orbit, and who upholds all worlds and all things by His power, was to make Himself visible,—I say, if you were to see Him today, you would see Him like a man in form—like yourselves in all the person, image, and very form as a man; for Adam was created in the very fashion, image and likeness of God, and received instruction from, and walked, talked and conversed with Him, as one man talks and communes with another. …
“… Having a knowledge of God, we begin to know how to approach Him, and how to ask so as to receive an answer. When we understand the character of God, and know how to come to Him, He begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to Him, He is ready to come to us." (“Chapter 2: God the Eternal Father,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007), 36–44)
Agenda
1. There is a God
2. The Nature of God
3. Coming to Know God
Body
There is a God
Two examples of men who came to know there is a God.
1) Moses (read Moses 1:1-11)
2) Korihor (read Alma 30:37-52)
These experiences are different, but what makes them the same?
Both had faith that God existed. Both were 'touched' by the hand of God. Afterwards, both knew without a doubt that God exists.
I have this theory and I preach it to my kids all the time. Whenever one of them decides to disobey me or their mother, they'll end up getting a lecture … a painful lecture. I always bring it to their attention that that in the end, they always had to do what we asked them to do anyway. But by being disobedient, the experience became unpleasant. And then I ask them, "is it easier to obey and get it done or is it easier to disobey and then be forced to do it anyway?" We're all going to know there is a God, but the manner in which we come to know Him can be either extremely rewarding or extremely unpleasant.
What about each of you individually … how do you know there is a God? What things testify to you that there is a God?
Side note/personal note: In Moses 1, we read how Moses perceived all of God's creations in this world. Perhaps this is how prayer works … how God can hear us out of the trillions of people praying to Him.
The Nature of God
What are some of God's attributes? (list these on the board)
Elder Hales said the following in his October 2009 talk, "From the New Testament we know that Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, have a physical presence. They stand in one place at one time, as the New Testament disciple Stephen testified: “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56)
"We also know that the Father and the Son have voices. As recorded in Genesis and the book of Moses, Adam and Eve “heard the voice of the Lord God, as they were walking in the garden, in the cool of the day.” (Moses 4:14, Genesis 3:8)
"We know that the Father and the Son have faces, that They stand, and that They converse. The prophet Enoch declared, “I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another.” (Moses 7:4)
"We know that God and His Son have bodies, in form and parts like ours. From the book of Ether in the Book of Mormon, we read, “And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood.” (Ether 3:6) Later the Lord revealed Himself, saying, “Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and … I [will] appear unto my people in the flesh.” (Ether 3:16)
"We know that the Father and the Son have feelings for us. The book of Moses records, “And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept.” (Moses 7:28)
"And we know that God and His Son, Jesus Christ, are immortal, glorified, and perfected beings. Of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Prophet Joseph Smith recounts, “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters.”" (D&C 110:3) (Robert D. Hales, “Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 29–33)
Why is it important for us to understand the nature of God?
Joseph F. Smith taught that we are to strive to become like God. And to become like God requires keeping his commandments and learning of Him (His nature). "God originated and designed all things, and all are his children. We are born into the world as his offspring; endowed with the same attributes. The children of men have sprung from the Almighty, whether the world is willing to acknowledge it or not. He is the Father of our spirits. He is the originator of our earthly tabernacles. We live and move and have our being in God our heavenly Father. And having sprung from him with our talents, our ability, our wisdom, we should at least be willing to acknowledge his hand in all the prosperity that may attend us in life, and give to him the honor and glory of all we accomplish in the flesh. …
"… [Man] is made in the image of God himself, so that he can reason, reflect, pray, exercise faith; he can use his energies for the accomplishment of the desires of his heart, and inasmuch as he puts forth his efforts in the proper direction, then he is entitled to an increased portion of the Spirit of the Almighty to inspire him to increased intelligence, to increased prosperity and happiness in the world; but in proportion as he prostitutes his energies for evil, the inspiration of the Almighty is withdrawn from him, until he becomes so dark and so benighted, that so far as his knowledge of God is concerned, he is quite as ignorant as a dumb brute.
"… We must become like [God]; peradventure to sit upon thrones, to have dominion, power, and eternal increase. God designed this in the beginning. … This is the object of our existence in the world; and we can only attain to these things through obedience to certain principles, through walking in certain channels, through obtaining certain information, certain intelligence from God, without which no man can accomplish his work or fulfill the mission he has come upon the earth to fulfill. These principles are the principles of the gospel of eternal truth, the principles of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, the principle of obedience to God the eternal Father; for obedience is one of the first principles or laws of heaven.
From Gospel Principles:
1. Believe that He exists and that He loves us (Mosiah 4:9)
2. Study the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
3. Pray to Him (James 1:5)
4. Obey all His commandments as best as we can (John 14:21-23)
Elder Hales said, "I testify that the way to know the truth about God is through the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead, is a personage of spirit. His work is to “testify of [God]” (John 15:26) and to “teach [us] all things.” (John 14:26).
"Brothers and sisters, you may already know, deep in your soul, that God lives. You may not know all about Him yet and do not understand all His ways, but the light of belief is within you, waiting to be awakened and intensified by the Spirit of God and the Light of Christ, which you are born with.
"So come. Believe the testimonies of the prophets. Learn of God and Christ. The pattern to do so is clearly taught by prophets of old and prophets today.
"Cultivate a diligent desire to know that God lives.
"This desire leads us to ponder on the things of heaven—to let the evidence of God all around us touch our hearts.
"With softened hearts we are prepared to heed the Savior’s call to “search the scriptures” (John 5:39) and to humbly learn from them.
"We are then ready to ask our Heavenly Father sincerely, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, if the things we have learned are true. Most of us will not see God, as the prophets have, but the still, small promptings of the Spirit—the thoughts and feelings that the Holy Ghost brings into our minds and hearts—will give us an undeniable knowledge that He lives and that He loves us.
"Gaining this knowledge is ultimately the quest of all God’s children on the earth. If you cannot remember believing in God or if you have ceased to believe or if you believe but without real conviction, I invite you to seek a testimony of God now. Do not be afraid of ridicule. The strength and peace that come from knowing God and having the comforting companionship of His Spirit will make your efforts eternally worthwhile." (Robert D. Hales, “Seeking to Know God, Our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 29–32)
Closing
I know our Heavenly Father is real. He hears and answers our sincere prayers. I don’t know how some people come to think or believe He does not exist. For me, the struggle is more of trying to remind myself and ingrain in my mind and heart that the whole goal of this life is to become more like Him – to become perfect. I think that as we live each day, if we would try to keep that perspective – that long, eternal perspective, we will begin to make more decisions that are aligned with our Father in Heaven’s will and by and by, we will begin to be more like Him.
