Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Jan 26, 2025

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

We are asked to speak in church on things that we are not necessarily perfect at or even good at, but that we can learn through preparing a talk.

DnC 131

5 (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.

“The subject of marriage is debated across the world, where various arrangements exist for conjugal living. My purpose in speaking out on this topic is to declare, as an Apostle of the Lord,3 that marriage between a man and a woman is sacred—it is ordained of God.4 I also assert the virtue of a temple marriage. It is the highest and most enduring type of marriage that our Creator can offer to His children.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Celestial Marriage”, October 2008 General Conference)

Eternal marriage ensures that death cannot separate us.

DnC 14:7

7 And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

Next Speaker

Without temple sealings our progress is thwarted.  This is what Malachi meant.  Without mankind progressing to their highest potential the purpose of the earth would be wasted and it would be a curse.  Curse, meaning something that holds us back as opposed to a blessing which helps us move forward.

“This life is the time to prepare for salvation and exaltation. In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Salvation and Exaltation”, April 2008 General Conference)

“The most important single thing that any Latter-day Saint ever does in this world is to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “Agency or Inspiration?” New Era, Jan. 1975, 38.)

Malachi 4

5 ¶ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

When we are sealed we create a celestial triangle.  The man and the woman make covenants with God and then they make covenants with each other.

Next Speaker

DnC 1 

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.

Elders Quorum 

Lesson based on the following talks:
Elder Neil L. Andersen - The Triumph of Hope and President Russell M. Nelson - The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again

“My dear brothers and sisters, do you see what is happening right before our eyes? I pray that we will not miss the majesty of this moment! The Lord is indeed hastening His work.” - President Nelson

“These blessings also help to prepare a people who will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord!” - President Nelson

Revelation 19:16

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Revelation 17:14

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88

88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

“I urge you to devote time each week—for the rest of your life—to increase your understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My heart aches for those who are mired in sin and don’t know how to get out. I weep for those who struggle spiritually or who carry heavy burdens alone because they do not understand what Jesus Christ did for them.” - President Nelson

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Jan 19, 2025

Sacrament Service

First Speaker

A missionary that recently returned from the Peru Lima South Mission.  He also served for a time in Texas, due to an issue with his visa.

Alma 37:6

6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

People that feel loved feel the spirit more easily.

Next Speaker

Do not neglect our spiritual health.

DnC 88:18

18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;

Do not sacrifice what you want more for what you want now.  If you don't sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.

“Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again”, October 2024 General Conference)

Omni 1:26

26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

How do we worship during sacrament meeting?  Do we give thanks for the things Father and Christ have done for us while the speakers are speaking?

“Everything to do with becoming more like the Savior takes effort. When God wanted to give the Ten Commandments to Moses, where did He tell Moses to go? Up on top of Mount Sinai. So Moses had to walk all the way to the top of that mountain to get the Ten Commandments. The Lord loves effort because effort brings rewards that can’t come without it.” (President Russell M Nelson, Adapted from “Restoration Conversations with President Russell M. Nelson,” video collection, Gospel Media library)

Sunday School 

Joseph's mom used to go to that Grove to pray. When he says that he had “previously designed to go” was probably because of his mother's example. 

Have both feet into the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  Do just stand half in and half out.

What are we each destined for? 

Revelation is different for everyone.  God knows how to speak to us in ways we understand. Might not be the same as someone else. 

When we pray for one thing, God often will tell us something we weren't considering. 

God is a physical being. God and Jesus are two different beings. 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Jan 12, 2025

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

2 Nephi 9

39 O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.

Break out of your comfort zone and think celestial.

DnC 98:12

12 For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 ¶ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Next Speaker

“I recently celebrated my 99th birthday and thus commenced my 100th year of living. I am often asked the secret to living so long. A better question would be “What have I learned in nearly a century of living?”

“Time today does not allow me to answer that question fully, but may I share one of the most crucial lessons I have learned.

“I have learned that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!”, October 2023 General Conference)

“I can’t stress too strongly that decisions determine destiny.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Decisions Determine Destiny”, BYU Speech 6Nov2005)

Mosiah 4

30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

Joseph Smith - History 1

25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

Don’t forget what you and God know.

John 6:66-69

66 ¶ From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Next Speaker

“Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Far too many people live as though this life is all there is. However, your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever. So, think celestial.”  (President Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!”, October 2023 General Conference)

“Just as we cannot comprehend the agony and depth of Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane and on the cross, so we ‘cannot measure the bounds nor fathom the depths of [His] divine forgiveness,’ mercy, and love.” (Sister Kristin M. Yee, “The Joy of Our Redemption”, October 2024 General Conference)

Mark 6:47-50

47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

Elders Quorum 

Lesson based on “Nourish the Roots, and the Branches Will Grow” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf and “Seeking Answers to Spiritual  Questions” - Tracy Y Browning 

“one of the most import” - Elder Uchtdorf 

“The restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, ‘embrace[s] all, and every item of truth.’ But that doesn’t mean that all truth is of equal value. Some truths are core, essential, at the root of our faith. Others are appendages or branches—valuable, but only when they are connected to the fundamentals.” - Elder Uchtdorf 

“If you’re seeking a more meaningful experience in Church meetings or in the temple, try looking for the Savior in the sacred ordinances we receive there. Find the Lord in His holy house.” - Elder Uchtdorf

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah Jan 5, 2025

Sacrament Service 

Testimonies

“Their testimonies inspired me and caused me to have a sincere curiosity to find out: What is a testimony? Why do I need to share my testimony? How do I share my testimony? How do they know what they say is true? How do I gain my own testimony like theirs?   

“After living the gospel for years by keeping His commandments, daily scripture study, daily prayer, searching the inspired messages of our church leaders, and fifty years of unconditionally serving in callings from the Lord, my understanding of this matter has gradually increased. We learn the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.1 It comes through personal inspiration and revelation from the gift and power of the Holy Ghost. All can receive it if we are obedient to the Lord’s commandments and live righteously. The testimony is the shield of faith.” (Elder Wisit Khanakham, Asia Area Leader Message)

“President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony”, April 2008 General Conference)

Sunday School 

3 Nephi 21:9

9 For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.

Acts 13:41

41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Hearken - to give heed or attention to what is said; 

We talked about The Restoration Proclamation.

“Well, our 1820 list of hopes could go on, but perhaps the most important message of the Restoration is that such hopes would not have been in vain. Beginning in the Sacred Grove and continuing to this day, these desires began to be clothed in reality and became, as the Apostle Paul and others taught, true anchors to the soul, sure and steadfast. What was once only hoped for has now become history.” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Perfect Brightness of Hope”, April 2020 General Conference)