Sunday, February 22, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 22 February 2015

Sacrament Service
What is the Godhead. Three separate beings. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost all are God, but each has different role to perform.

God the Father presides over and directs the other two.

God the son is the creator and authority over this earth and things pertaining to it. He is the Redeemer of this earth. He give immortality to all through resurrection. He gives eternal life to all those that repent and accept him daily.

God the Holy Ghost testifies of the father and the son. He testifies of all truth. He comforts. He teaches. He is differentiated as ghost or spirit because he is the only member of the Godhead who does not have a physical body.

“Spiritual truth cannot be ignored—especially divine commandments. Keeping divine commandments brings blessings, every time! Breaking divine commandments brings a loss of blessings, every time!”(Elder Russell M Nelson, Let Your Faith Show, April 2014 General Conference)

Sunday School
My lesson on What is the role of agency in learning the gospel?
{
What have you learned this week in your gospel studies?

What interesting gospel discussions have you had with friends or family this week?

Do you have any questions that you have been wondering about or wanting to ask someone about the church stuff?

We talked last week about immortality and eternal life. What is the difference? Look up Moses 1:39.

What is the role of agency in learning the gospel?  How do we use our agency to learn the gospel?

Is it possible to be made to come to church by our parents or by someone else’s choice other than our own, but never really learn much because we have not used our agency to choose to learn?

When we act for ourselves and choose to do what we are taught then we understand what we are taught better.

Again think about as we talk, what is the role of agency in learning the gospel?

John 7:17
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Is there a difference between being taught how powerful water can be and choosing to pick up a hose and spray it at something or to watch a waterfall or massive river or the ocean?

The same is true of the gospel.  We talk about how good it is, but until you choose to act upon the things we read about discuss, then you really don’t understand the power of what we are learning.

James 1:22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

If we choose to do what we are taught we learn more than if we just hear people’s words.  What do you think about that?

What does it mean to be hearers of the word only, deceiving our own selves?

What is the role of agency in learning the gospel?

Doctrine and Covenants 50:23
24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

When we receive truth and act on it, we receive more truth.

2 Nephi 2:26
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

What does it mean to act and not be acted upon?

Who are some people in your life or that you know of that have used their agency to increase what they know about the gospel?

"A teacher can explain, demonstrate, persuade, and testify, and do so with great spiritual power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter. Learning by faith opens the pathway into the heart."-bednar

No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right … and which I should join” (Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 18).

Notice that Joseph’s questions focused not just on what he needed to know but also on what he needed to do.

What did you hear in Sacrament meeting about people using their agency?

What did you hear in Sacrament meeting about people learning?
}

Elders Quorum
“The Challenge to Become”, Elder Dallin H Oaks, October 2000 General Conference
Parable about the father and son.
“All that I have I desire to give you—not only my wealth, but also my position and standing among men. That which I have I can easily give you, but that which I am you must obtain for yourself. You will qualify for your inheritance by learning what I have learned and by living as I have lived. I will give you the laws and principles by which I have acquired my wisdom and stature. Follow my example, mastering as I have mastered, and you will become as I am, and all that I have will be yours.”

“We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion. As used here, this word of many meanings signifies not just a convincing but a profound change of nature. Jesus used this meaning when He taught His chief Apostle the difference between a testimony and a conversion.”

Charity must be a change in our character and not something we do occasionally. We need to start with checking our behavior in our home. How charitable a person are we in our private life?

The Parable of the workers. All got paid the same, but worked different hours. We should show the same love for those that take longer to figure out things in life or to gain a testimony of Christ's doctrines.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 15 February 2015

Sunday School
My lesson Why Is Teaching the Gospel Important in the Plan of Salvation?
{
What have you learned this week in your personal gospel study?  What conversations have you had with friends about the gospel this week?
Why is teaching the gospel important in the plan of salvation?

Watch video of Jesus teaching in the temple.

What was his father's business?

Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

How was Jesus doing his father's work?

Is it also our father's business and should we be doing our Father’s business?

We should be working to bring to pass the eternal life of man.  A big part of that is teaching.  We teach others outside church by our example and explaining the Savior’s doctrine’s.  We teach each other in the Church by fulfilling our callings to our best ability and given our thoughts about the lesson in our classes.

2 Nephi 2:8
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

Why is it so important that people know that no one can dwell in the presence of God except by following Jesus?

People have to know the rules in order to win the game. Winning the game does not mean beating out others, but it means doing what is required to get the prize.

Part of getting the prize is helping others to also get the prize.

Jesus talked about teaching other others through our example in 3 Nephi 18:24:
“Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do”

The Teaching No Greater Call manual talks about who is supposed to be teaching:
"In this instruction the Lord made no distinction among those who heard His voice. All were commanded to teach.
The same is true today. The responsibility to teach the gospel is not limited to those who have formal callings as teachers. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you have the responsibility to teach the gospel. As a parent, son, daughter, husband, wife, brother, sister, Church leader, classroom teacher, home teacher, visiting teacher, coworker, neighbor, or friend, you have opportunities to teach. Sometimes you can teach openly and directly by the things you say and the testimony you bear. And you always teach by example."

No matter what our calling is in the Church, we are to be teaching all people.  This included teaching members and nonmembers both.

Let’s read some from some of the Church’s material on some things that Heavenly Father has for us.

Invite the youth to read the “Education” section in For the Strength of Youth, including the scripture references. Ask half of the class to look for things Heavenly Father wants us to do, and ask the other half to identify blessings that He has promised.

Ask the youth to read “Plan of Salvation” in True to the Faith (pages 115–17), including the scriptures cited, and find something they didn’t already know.

  • What have the youth learned about aspects of the plan of salvation (such as covenants, obedience, the Atonement, or life after death)? What could they share with each other?
}

Elders Quorum
Chapter 4 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson
The happiest people in life don't have the best of evening. They make the best of everything.

We need to do what God wants us to do first in order for our growth to happen.

"He has given us His Atonement, His gospel, and His Church, a sacred combination that gives us the assurance of immortality and the opportunity for eternal life.” (Elder Dallin H Oaks, The Gospel in Our Lives, April 2002 General Conference)

Changing our character in certain principles take great work. Once we have done the work it sticks with us. If we do not put the work in it does not stick .

We need to move from the idea that charity is giving to those less fortunate than us to charity being loving others.

Sunday, February 08, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 8 February 2015

Sacrament Service
Stake Theme: February - Praying daily to know who to invite into your home, then invite them.
Reference Scripture: 3 Nephi 5:13
Reference Talk: Put Your Trust in the Lord - M. Russell Ballard – October 2013
Link to lds.org: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-06-1031-ill-go-where-you-want-
me-to-go?lang=eng
"Brothers and sisters, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence when members and the full-time missionaries kneel in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with missionary opportunities." (Elder M Russell Ballard, Put Your Trust in the Lord, October 2013 General Conference)

We can never fail when on the Lord’s errand.

We should prepare our home so people can feel peace there.

One of the speakers contrasted the visitation of angels to Alma, the sons of Mosiah, and Saul with the visitation of angels to Laman and Lemuel. The former had a mighty change of heart and the latter kept their pride.

Instead of asking for God's love, look for it. It is already there.  We just have to pay attention and see it.

"...grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient." (Bible Dictionary, Grace)

God does not have dead weight in the celestial Kingdom. Everyone there will be people that have worked hard to stay close to God and keep hold of his grace. When God's grace is away from us out is not because he moved, or is because we have walked away from it.

It was proposed that Jonah was sent to Nineveh to save Israel because they were enemies and Nineveh was very violent.

3 Nephi 9:20
20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

Most of us change gradually.

"Preparing to walk guiltless before God is one of the primary purposes of mortality and the pursuit of a lifetime; it does not result from sporadic spurts of intense spiritual activity." (Elder David A Bednar, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, October 2007 General Conference)

Sunday School
My lesson on why learning is an important part of God's plan?
{
What have you been learning about in your personal gospel study this week?

As we talk together today, think about why learning is an important part of God's plan?

“One of the main reasons Heavenly Father sent us to earth was to give us experiences that would help us learn and become more like Him. If we are obedient and teachable, He will help us learn what we need to know, line upon line, throughout our lives. Heavenly Father expects us to use the knowledge we gain to bless others and build His kingdom.” - From the manual

The For the Strength of Youth manual had this to say about education.  Who has their For the Strength of youth manual with them?

“Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like Him. He wants you to educate your mind and to develop your skills and talents, your power to act well in your responsibilities, and your capacity to appreciate life. The education you gain will be valuable to you during mortality and in the life to come.

“Education will prepare you for greater service in the world and in the Church. It will help you better provide for yourself, your family, and those in need. It will also help you be a wise counselor and companion to your future spouse and an informed and effective teacher of your future children.

“Education is an investment that brings great rewards and will open the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you. Plan now to obtain an education. Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices if necessary. Share your educational goals with your family, friends, and leaders so they can support and encourage you.”

For the Strength of Youth closes with this question for us to think about.  “How can an education benefit me and my future family?”

As we learn more He will teach us more
Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-80
77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms
80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

It is very difficult for someone to teach us to multiply numbers if we have not learned to add numbers. There are many things in life that make no sense until we learn other things first. Thus we must be diligent in always learning and perfecting our skills in the basic things of life, so that we are prepared for the more advanced things God wants to give us when we are ready.

President Uchtdorf shared in last general conference
A Parable of Dandelions
Once there was a man who enjoyed taking evening walks around his neighborhood. He particularly looked forward to walking past his neighbor’s house. This neighbor kept his lawn perfectly manicured, flowers always in bloom, the trees healthy and shady. It was obvious that the neighbor made every effort to have a beautiful lawn.
But one day as the man was walking past his neighbor’s house, he noticed in the middle of this beautiful lawn a single, enormous, yellow dandelion weed.
It looked so out of place that it surprised him. Why didn’t his neighbor pull it out? Couldn’t he see it? Didn’t he know that the dandelion could cast seeds that could give root to dozens of additional weeds?
This solitary dandelion bothered him beyond description, and he wanted to do something about it. Should he just pluck it out? Or spray it with weed killer? Perhaps if he went under cover of night, he could remove it secretly.
These thoughts totally occupied his mind as he walked toward his own home. He entered his house without even glancing at his own front yard—which was blanketed with hundreds of yellow dandelions.

Do we focus on the things we need to learn or do we spend our time telling others what they need to change?

Elder Oaks talked of our responsibility to learn:
"Our religious faith teaches us that we should seek learning by the Spirit and that we have a stewardship to use our knowledge for the benefit of mankind."

What do you think about that?

Elder Oaks continues :
"A learned Latter-day Saint should seek to understand the important religious, physical, social, and political problems of the day. The more knowledge we have of heavenly laws and earthly things, the greater influence we can exert for good on those around us and the safer we will be from scurrilous and evil influences that may confuse and destroy us."

If we are not diligent in learning true things we can end up being taught things that are not true with trying.

Elder Oaks continued,  "As we seek to receive and apply the guidance of the Spirit in a world driven by the trends and issues of the day, we are confronted by an avalanche of often erroneous and trivial information served up by modern technology."
...
"We are also bombarded by popular talk show hosts, television psychologists, fashion magazines, and media commentators, whose skewed values and questionable practices can drive our opinions and influence our behavior."

One example of where people are being taught falsehoods is in defining men's and women's roles.

President Kimball said,  "“There has never been a time in the world when the role of [women and men] has been more confused.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W Kimball, p 222)

Ephesians 4:11-14 tells us of some of the tools God had given us to help us avoid being misled by ideas created without understanding God's plan.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

By knowing and understanding the scriptures and the words of the prophets we will not be confused by what the world is trying sell us as truth.

Knowing What to Study
Sometimes as we prepare for the future parts off or life we do not know how to prepare and what we should study.

We need not fear. President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught: “The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all-knowing. So you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize those opportunities perfectly. … But when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder.”6
}

Elders Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church:  Ezra Taft Benson. Chapter 5
Repentance
We need faith to repent.

Repentance is about changing everything about us that is not like God, even if those aren't sins that require a visit with the bishop.

The Lord needs more than just members of record.  He needs members of actions.

Sunday, February 01, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 1 February 2015

Testimony Meeting
Stake Theme: February - Praying daily to know who to invite into your home, then invite them.
Reference Scripture: 3 Nephi 5:13
Reference Talk: Put Your Trust in the Lord - M. Russell Ballard – October 2013
Link to lds.org: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-06-1031-ill-go-where-you-want-
me-to-go?lang=eng

Sunday School
My lesson on How can I learn to see Heavenly Father’s hand in all things?
{
Is there anything you have been studying this week in your gospel studies that you have questions on our would like to share?

I have learned about the sacrament.  The bread has to do with the living Christ and his resurrection.  It reminds us that he was resurrected that we may all be resurrected.  The water has to do with take on Him our sins and our sicknesses and our trials and understanding all that we go through in a very personal way.

We are going to talk today about: How can I learn to see Heavenly Father’s hand in all things?

What are some things you have noticed in your life or the world around you that are evidences that God is real?

"The prophet Alma taught, ‘All things denote there is a God’ (Alma 30:44). Heavenly Father loves us and blesses us daily. If we are observant, we can see evidence of His power and influence in our lives and in the world around us. Though we may not see Him personally, recognizing His hand in all things can strengthen our testimony that He lives."-from the manual

Read the hymn How Great Thou Art #86.  Have them tell what the hymn listed that shows their is a God.

Writing things down like in a journal helps us recognize and remember times and instances where the Lord was seen in our lives.

President Eyring talked of having seen something when he came home from work that was a witness of God in his life and then he had this to say.  He said:

“I took a few steps toward the house, thinking of what he was doing for us, and just as I got to the door, I heard in my mind—not in my own voice—these words: ‘I’m not giving you these experiences for yourself. Write them down.’

“I went inside. I didn’t go to bed. Although I was tired, I took out some paper and began to write. And as I did, I understood the message I had heard in my mind. I was supposed to record for my children to read, someday in the future, how I had seen the hand of God blessing our family.”
“I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.”
My point is to urge you to find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness. It will build our testimonies. You may not keep a journal. You may not share whatever record you keep with those you love and serve. But you and they will be blessed as you remember what the Lord has done.”
(President Henry B Eyring, O Remember, Remember, October 2007 General Conference)

Read the hymn 241 Count Your Many Blessings.

1. When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

(Chorus)
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done.

2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings; ev'ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Another thing that can be evidence to us that God is real are his tender mercies.

1 Nephi 1:20
20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

What is a tender mercy of the Lord?
It is something that the Lord gives to us when we need it so that we are not on our own.

Sometimes we are tempted to shrug off the tender mercies of the Lord as coincidence.

Do any of you have stories from your life that some might consider coincidence, but you know was God helping you?

"Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ." -  Elder Bednar

Doctrine and Covenants 46:15
15 And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

His mercies are personalized to each one of us for the specific thing that is happening in our lives because God knows us personally and is aware of every moment in our lives and every little thing we need.

“The word chosen in 1 Nephi 1:20 [1 Ne. 1:20] is central to understanding the concept of the Lord’s tender mercies. The dictionary indicates that chosen suggests one who is selected, taken by preference, or picked out. It also can be used to refer to the elect or chosen of God (Oxford English Dictionary Online, second ed. [1989], “Chosen”).

“Some individuals who hear or read this message erroneously may discount or dismiss in their personal lives the availability of the tender mercies of the Lord, believing that “I certainly am not one who has been or ever will be chosen.” We may falsely think that such blessings and gifts are reserved for other people who appear to be more righteous or who serve in visible Church callings. I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are available to all of us and that the Redeemer of Israel is eager to bestow such gifts upon us.” - Elder Bednar
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Elders Quorum
President Dieter F Uchtdorf October 2014 General Conference talk, “Is It I”
"...our blindness toward our human weaknesses will also make us blind to the divine potential that our Father yearns to nurture within each of us."

It is easier to see the faults in others, than in ourselves.