Ward Council
Moroni 6:4
4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.
“We live in perilous times when many believe we are not accountable to God and that we do not have personal responsibility or stewardship for ourselves or others. Many in the world are focused on self-gratification, put themselves first, and love pleasure more than they love righteousness. They do not believe they are their brother’s keeper. In the Church, however, we believe that these stewardships are a sacred trust.”(Quentin L Cook, Stewardship—a Sacred Trust, General Conference 2009)
Combined Priesthood Meeting
The bishop taught us from the book "Increase in Learning" by Elder David A Bednar and the videos that go with it.
What is a gospel doctrine? Doctrine is:
- Why we do something.
- Does not change and pertains to the salvation of man.
- "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior." (President Boyd K Packer, Little Children, General Conference 1986)
- Knowing the doctrine is not understanding it.
- “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. Preoccupation with unworthy behavior can lead to unworthy behavior. That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel.” (President Boyd K Packer, Little Children, General Conference 1986)
He listed three doctrines that pertaining to home teaching. I was only able to scribble down the first one. See Elder Bednar’s book for the rest of them.
1. Plan of salvation
- Principle - Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 - 10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;.
- Application - home teaching
- Principle - obedience
- Principle - oath and covenant
- Principle - Love
He defined what a gospel principle is and gave examples of applications of various principles that were tied to various doctrines. I wasn’t fast enough to write the definition down.
"When we see the effect one person can have on the lives of so many, it perhaps is no wonder that the Lord reminded us, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10)." (Harold G Hillam, The Worth of Souls, April 2005 General Conference)
"On one occasion President Thomas S. Monson made this statement to me: ‘There is a guiding hand above all things. Often when things happen, it’s not by accident. One day, when we look back at the seeming coincidences of our lives, we will realize that perhaps they weren’t so coincidental after all.’" (Elder Joseph B Wirthlin, Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life, Ensign December 2000)
“Brethren, home teaching is not just another program. It is the priesthood way of watching over the Saints and accomplishing the mission of the Church. Home teaching is not just an assignment. It is a sacred calling.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, "To the Home Teachers of the Church," Ensign, May 1987, 48)
The purpose of home teaching is to watch over, be with, and strengthen.
"If there are any concerns about Church doctrine, consider the counsel given by President Gordon B. Hinckley to a large meeting of over 2,000 members in Paris, France, last year. He said: ‘I plead with you, my brothers and sisters, that if you have any doubt concerning any doctrine of this Church, that you put it to the test. Try it. Live the principle. Get on your knees and pray about it, and God will bless you with a knowledge of the truth of this work.’" (Harold G Hillam, The Worth of Souls, April 2005 General Conference)
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