Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 12 July 2015

Sacrament Service

A missionary who just returned from the Spain Madrid mission spoke to us.

Father in Heaven wants us to return and live with him, but he gives us the choice.

2 Nephi 2:27

27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

Father expects us to be mature in the way we live our lives.

There is little growing in the comfort zone and little comfort in the growing zone.

Sunday School

My lesson on What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

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What did we learn about last week?

What did you learn about in your personal study this week?

Here's some questions I thought of while studying this week: Is it possible to have joy and sadness at the same time? Is it possible to have joy while in pain?

The dictionary defines joy as:

The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

Is it possible to have joy and sadness at the same time? Is it possible to have joy while in pain?

From last general conference Elder José A. Teixeira said,

“Brothers and sisters, today more than in any other time, we have at our disposal exceptional opportunities and resources to deepen our understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of His Atonement. Using these resources appropriately will help us live a fruitful life filled with joy.”

“The more we understand the extraordinary role of Christ in our lives, the more conscious we become of our purpose here in mortality, which is to have joy. That joy, however, does not preclude us from experiencing trials and difficulties, even some so great and complex that they may lead us to think that happiness is not possible in such circumstances.”

Perhaps that underlying joy get covered up a little, but it keeps us from hiring bottom or falling into despair, depression, or hopelessness. Perhaps faith, hope and joy feed each other and keep each other alive within us as we go through trials. Perhaps we build our faith which give us how, which gives us joy which gives us desire to obtain more faith. What do you think?

Have you had any gospel discussions this week with friends or family you would like to share?
 
What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

From the manual :

"Ordinances are sacred, formal acts performed under priesthood authority. Ordinances symbolize gospel truths and teach us about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Ordinances also teach us about who we are and remind us of our duty to God. Learning about the symbolism in the ordinances helps us understand the gospel more completely and strengthens our faith in Jesus Christ."

Let's break down what they are talking about here.

How do ordinances teach us about gospel truths?

What are some examples of ordinances that teach us gospel truths?

How do ordinances teach you about who you are?

How do ordinances remind you of your duty to God?

Let's talk about some of the ordinances and what they tell us about these things.

Sacrament Ordinance

Luke 22:19-20

19 ¶And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

That was a quick summary of the Sacrament. He gives the bread, which is a symbol of him body and we eat to remember him. He gives the cup of wine as a symbol of his blood which was shed for us. He calls it a new testament.

Do any of you have thoughts on this scripture?

3 Nephi 18:1-11

1 And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.
2 And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.
3 And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.
4 And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
6 And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
8 And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
9 And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10 And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.
11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

Who knows where the Sacrament prayers are in the scriptures?

Doctrine and Covenants 20:77,79

So going back to the questions about ordinances, let's apply them specifically to baptism.

How does not Sacrament teach us about gospel truths?

How does the Sacrament teach you about who you are?

How does the Sacrament remind you of your duty to God?

Baptism covenant

Mosiah 18:8-10

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

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Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on Rosemary M Wixom, Returning to Faith, April 2015 General Conference.

What does the world consider a real man?

When does your wife find your most attractive?

Men should take the lead in spiritual things in the home.

Your two hands are of equal value, but how would it be to tie your shoe with two right hands?

Your two feet are of equal value, but how would it be to dance with two left feet?

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 6 July 2014

Elders Quorum

Teachings of Presidents of the Church : Joseph Fielding Smith chapter 13 - Baptism

We were taught by a new elder who is leaving on his mission this week.

Pay attention at baptisms since the Spirit can be so strong.   Be prepared to be taught by it.

Baptism symbolizes birth, death, and resurrection.

Baptism is not complete without the ordinance of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

When we are baptized, we are resurrected into a spiritual life.

"I know that little children who have not reached years of accountability, and hence are not guilty of sin, are … redeemed through the blood of Christ, and it is solemn mockery to contend that they need baptism, denying the justice and mercy of God [see Moroni 8:20–23]." - From the manual

Doctrine and Covenants 29:46-47

46 But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten;
47 Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;

Mosiah 18:8-10

8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Sunday School

When David saw Bathsheba bathing he was home when he should have been with his armies in the battle.  Do we have times when we have time on our hands,  perhaps when we should be doing our duty?   At those times do we sometimes get distracted and perhaps drop into idleness.

When we stumble across salacious things we should not dig into and find more information about it.   When there are tantalizing headlines if we read more,  especially on the Internet, it is easy to follow on to other more tantalizing and inappropriate places and before we know it we are too deep.

Sacrament Service

Testimonies

The theme for the stake is to obtain and read our patriarchal blessing.

General Conference Saturday Morning Session 10-4-08

President Thomas S. Monson - Prophet - (Audio, Video)
Welcome to Conference

He talked of having dedicated three temples since last conference. He talked of some of the celebrations accompanying those dedications of those temples.

He said that one of the celebrations depicted the history of the church in Brazil. He said that they depicted Elder Neal A Maxwell and his companion that had been missionaries there in the 1930s.

There will be five new temples Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Cordoba, Argentina; the greater Kansas City area; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Rome, Italy

Elder L. Tom Perry - Apostle (Audio, Video)
Let Him Do It with Simplicity

Talked of retreating to Waldon Pond at times with his ill wife. He then talked about Henry David Thoreau had moved out there and the things that he did out there. He planted a garden to support himself. He enjoyed the pond, but also spent a lot of time in the city and invited others to come to his cabin. He talked about the needs the poet had out there and related them to needs that we have.

Food - He talked about keeping the Word of Wisdom in taking care of our bodies. He quoted from The Strength of Youth Manual on taking care of our bodies.

Clothing - He talked about a necessity of life is clothing. He talked about being modestly dressed. He said that today's styles often try to make three outfits out of the material for one.

Shelter -He talked about living within our means. Having the house we need and not the one that is as big as the neighbors. "Live without income, stay out of debt, save for a rainy day."

Fuel - He talked of problems with fuel that we have today, but left it to others in government and society to talk about the details of it. He talked of the necessity of spiritual fuel.

He said that the poet was asked at the end of his life if he had made peace with God. He replied that he had realized that they had ever quarreled.

Sister Silvia H. Allred - First Councilor in the Relief Society General Presidency (Audio, Video)
Go Ye Therefore

She talked of baptism.
John 3: 5
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be ^aborn of ^bwater and of the ^cSpirit, he cannot ^denter into the kingdom of God.

She talked about the missionaries teaching her family when she was young. Her family stopped listening except her and her seventeen year old sister.

She talked of the joy of missionary work and her experience in serving a mission. She also talked of her children serving missions and the missions that she and her husbands have been on.

Elder Neil L Anderson - Seventy (Audio, Video)
You Know Enough

Our life is a journey. We don't know everything at the beginning or even at the end, but we grow as we go.

1 Ne. 11: 17
17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

He said that Faith is not only a feeling. It is also a decision

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis - Seventy (Audio, Video)
Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon

He talked of how his father was baptized and it was the first baptism for the missionaries that taught him. He was in Brazil. His wife did not get baptized with him right away. He had vices of drinking and smoking. His father's mother was greatly opposed to his decision.

He talked about the power of the Book of Mormon to change lives. He talked about asking God in great faith that He will answer and He will answer.

Elder Dallin H Oaks - Apostle (Audio, Video)
Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament

Doctrine and Covenants 59:9-10

9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself ^aunspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of ^bprayer and offer up thy ^csacraments upon my ^dholy day;

10 For verily this is a ^aday appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;

He talked of the sacrament. He said that it makes sacrament the most sacred meeting in the Church.

He talked of preparing ourselves to partake in the ordinance of the sacrament. We bring a broken heart and contrite spirit.

The savior commanded the people to end the practice of sacrificing animals and offer a broken heart and contrite spirit. How offensive this must have been to the unbelievers and those that believed in the previous religious traditions that had been built upon the previous revealed word of the Lord.

If we are going to the beach our clothing, including our footwear will indicate it. The same should be true of when we go to participate in the sacrament.

He talked of those to not be involved in behaviors that get in the way of others. He talked of not texting, talking on a cell phone, talking to others, reading books or magazines.

Sacrament meeting music is for worship and not for performance.

I think this is an occasion when the gospel should be presented, when we should be called upon to exercise faith, and to reflect on the mission of our Redeemer, and to spend time in the consideration of the saving principles of the gospel, and not for other purposes. Amusement, laughter, light-mindedness, are all out of place in the sacrament meetings of the Latter-day Saints. We should assemble in the spirit of prayer, of meekness, with devotion in our hearts. I know of no other place where we can gather where we should be more reflective and solemn and where more of the spirit of worship should be maintained. [Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:342]

3 Nephi 18:11-13

11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in ^aremembrance of my ^bblood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

12 And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things. And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built upon my ^arock.

13 But whoso among you shall do ^amore or less than these are not built upon my rock, but are built upon a sandy foundation; and when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon them, they shall ^bfall, and the ^cgates of hell are ready open to receive them.

All that participate in this sacred ordinance stand on holy ground.

Appropriate dress especially applies to those that administer the ordinance. Nothing they wear should distract others from this sacred ordinance.

"May I suggest that wherever possible a white shirt be worn by the deacons, teachers, and priests who handle the sacrament. For sacred ordinances in the Church we often use ceremonial clothing, and a white shirt could be seen as a gentle reminder of the white clothing you wore in the baptismal font and an anticipation of the white shirt you will soon wear into the temple and onto your missions." - Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘This Do in Remembrance of Me’,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 67

There seemed like there was a lot more singing during this session of conference. At one point there was a song, announcement of the program and then another song. I don't think I have ever seen two songs in a row before.

President Deiter F. Uchtdorf - 2nd Councilor in First Presidency (Audio, Video)
The Infinite Power of Hope

He related another story about his childhood and the World War II. His mother had left the train they were on to find food for her children. When she got back she found that the train was not there. She prayed that Father would help her find her children. She eventually found the train and it had been moved around the rail station.

Faith hope and charity are the legs of a three legged stool.

Even after witnessing the destruction of his people Moroni still had hope.

Lack of faith, Being caught in despair, and not caring for our fellow man can lead us to temptation.

Because God has kept his promises in the past we can know that we can trust him in the present and in the future.

We cultivate hope just like we learn to walk...one step at a time.

As we grow each of the legs of the stool the others grow as well.

Present circumstances will give way to future blessings if we are faithful.

Jeremiah 17:7
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Sunday July 27, 2008 - Services Sullivan Hollow Second Ward

This Week at Church
Elders' Quorum
Lesson was based on a talk from April 2008 general conference.
Elder D. Todd Chistofferson - Apostle (Audio, Video)

Born Again

The instructor cited the story that Elder Christofferson related about having a retired protestant minister come to his home because the minister was concerned about Elder Christofferson's salvation. He and the minister had talked about what it meant to be born again.

John 3:3-5

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be ^aborn ^bagain, he cannot ^csee the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be ^aborn of ^bwater and of the ^cSpirit, he cannot ^denter into the kingdom of God.

Unless we put off the natural man we have not come to Christ. Does this mean we are perfect and do not make mistakes, but if we have put off the natural man we constantly reach for Christ and strive to do better.

1. Mosiah 3: 19
   19 For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyields to the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnatural man and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.
2. 1 Cor. 2: 14
   14 But the ^anatural man ^breceiveth not the things of the ^cSpirit of God: for they are ^dfoolishness unto him: neither can he ^eknow them, because they are ^fspiritually ^gdiscerned.

Mosiah 5: 2

2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty ^achange in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do ^bevil, but to do good continually.

Being born again is a process and not a one time event.

On a side note, possibly not related to the lesson during class and thoughts began to flood to me that I wrote down here. Not sure if they are well formed, but here is what I was able to capture as they flowed through my mind.

I saw a father with a toddler. Because of her stage of development he let her roam a little. She started to roam far enough to possibly impose on others and be too far from the safety of her father. He grabbed her dress and used it to tether and made her unhappy.

One might consider this action mean on the part of her father or even cruel. That is if one did not recognize that the person being managed was a toddler and that her safety, future happiness, and even her character was of primary importance to him. Though she doesn't see it and is angry at the restriction being put upon her, he loves her so much that he is willing to endure her wrath and show her more love and consoles her.

If she chooses to refuse to be consoled then she will be miserable the entire meeting.

That story may not be anything profound, but sometimes the perspective of members of the human race is very limited by how they perceive that God has treated them or others around them as they haven't taken the time to see what God sees or to realize there may be things they cannot see from where they are.

Sunday School
Book of Mormon Lesson 28: “The Word Is in Christ unto Salvation” p124

Alma compares the word of God to seed.
How to get a seed to grow:

• Prepare the ground.
• Plant the seed.
• Nuture the seed and ground.
  

Alma 32:2-8

2 And it came to pass that after much labor among them, they began to have success among the ^apoor class of people; for behold, they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel—

3 Therefore they were not permitted to enter into their synagogues to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they were poor; yea, they were esteemed by their brethren as ^adross; therefore they were ^bpoor as to things of the world; and also they were poor in heart.

4 Now, as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill ^aOnidah, there came a great ^bmultitude unto him, who were those of whom we have been speaking, of whom were ^cpoor in heart, because of their poverty as to the things of the world.

5 And they came unto Alma; and the one who was the foremost among them said unto him: Behold, ^awhat shall these my brethren do, for they are ^bdespised of all men because of their poverty, yea, and more especially by our priests; for they have ^ccast us out of our synagogues which we have labored abundantly to build with our own hands; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding poverty; and we have ^dno place to worship our God; and behold, ^ewhat shall we do?

6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their ^aafflictions had truly ^bhumbled them, and that they were in a ^cpreparation to hear the word.

7 Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly penitent, and said unto them:

8 I behold that ye are ^alowly in heart; and if so, blessed are ye.

Alma looked and was able to see what God had prepared in the current affliction, much like Amulek had when the robbers were scattering the kings flocks.

Alma 32: 27

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than ^adesire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

Dictionary.com defines experiment as:
–verb (used without object)

to try or test, esp. in order to discover or prove something: to experiment with a new procedure.

If you do not follow the formula then the experiment will fail.

Alma 32:31
31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own ^alikeness.

Someone compared our spirits to a lawn. She said that our spirits have sprinkler systems, but if we don't turn them on through prayer and scripture study then our spirits will wither like our grass in summer.

Sacrament Meeting
Youth Speaker
Listening to the Spirit

Gal. 5: 22

22 But the ^afruit of the ^bSpirit is ^clove, ^djoy, ^epeace, ^flongsuffering, ^ggentleness, goodness, ^hfaith,

He shared a story with us. He said that he was driving one day and he felt like he needed to stop where there was no stop sign. It didn't make sense to him, but he stopped. A moment later a car blew through the intersection in front of him. Had he not stopped he would've been t-boned by the other car.

After the youth speaker a member of the bishopric read a letter from one of the missionaries that is out from our ward.

First Adult Speaker
Pure love is an attribute of deity.

He shared a story from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant Chapter 15
'I heard a story of a brother (I have forgotten his name now) who attended a meeting in the early days. President Brigham Young made an appeal for donations to send to the Missouri River to help the Saints gather to Zion. He wanted everybody who could afford it, to give an ox or a cow or any other donation. One good brother jumped up and said, “I will give a cow.” Another brother got up and said, “I will give a cow.” The first brother had two cows and a large family; the other brother had a half-dozen cows and a small family. And, so the spirit [of the devil] came over the first man, [saying,] “Now, look here, you cannot get along with your large family; you cannot possibly get along with one cow. Now, that other man has got a small family and six cows; he could just as well give two or three and still get along all right.” As he started home, he walked four or five blocks, all the time getting weaker and weaker. Finally he thought, “I guess I won’t,” and then he realized the difference in the spirit that was tempting him and the one that had prompted his promise to the President of the Church that he would give a cow. Here was a spirit telling him to fail to fulfill his obligation, to fail to be honest, to fail to live up to his promise. He stopped short and turned around and said, “Mr. Devil, shut up or just as sure as I live, I will walk up to Brother Brigham’s office and give him the other cow.” He was not tempted any more.'

Second Speaker
Adversity
He talked about his mission to England.

He quoted from President Hinckley's talk of the April 1995 general conference.

'“Now, my brethren and sisters, the time has come for us to stand a little taller, to lift our eyes and stretch our minds to a greater comprehension and understanding of the grand millennial mission of this The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is a season to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth, and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments. It is a season to reach out with kindness and love to those in distress and to those who are wandering in darkness and pain. It is a time to be considerate and good, decent and courteous toward one another in all of our relationships. In other words, to become more Christlike” (“This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 71).'

There were a couple of things printed in the bulletin today that I think are worthy of inclusion here.

"From the "Lord's Prayer" we read that being forgiven of our sins, as hard as it sometimes may be, is DIRECTLY linked to OUR forgiving others of theirs. In Matthew 6:12 and Nephi 13:11 we read, "And forgive us our debts (sins), as we forgive our debtors (those who have sinned against us)."

In the end, justice and mercy will be meted out to all of us by the Lord. He employs no substitute for this. Thankfully, He, the master of the universe and the God of mercy and love, is THE judge." - Our Bishop

"Closely related to our own obligation to repent is the generosity of letting others do the same...In this, we participate in the very essence of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. [underline added] ...We don't want God to remember our sins, so there is something fundamentally wrong in our relentlessly trying to remember others' sins...It is one of those ironies of godhood that in order to find peace, the offended as well as the offender must engage the principle of forgiveness." Elder Jeffery R. Holland, "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom." Ensign, November, 1996, 82."

"O, Be Wise." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

What happened with you this week at church?

General Conference Saturday Afternoon Session April 5, 2008

They gave the statistical report this afternoon. We are over 13 million members.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks - Apostle (Audio, Video)
Testimony

"What do we mean when we testify and say that we know the gospel is true? Contrast that kind of knowledge with “I know it is cold outside” or “I know I love my wife.” These are three different kinds of knowledge, each learned in a different way. Knowledge of outside temperature can be verified by scientific proof. Knowledge that we love our spouse is personal and subjective."

Elder Oaks again gave guidelines about what a testimony is not. This is at least the second time I have heard this topic covered in the last couple of years.

He said that a testimony is not:

• A travelogue
• A health log
• An expression of love for family members.
• A sermon

He shared that President Kimball stated that once one starts preaching to another, their testimony has ended. (See The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 138. )

He talked about how we can be as sure about the truthfulness of gospel principles by study and practice as a scientist is about scientific truths through his study and practice.

How do we gain a testimony?

• Desire to know.
• Ask in sincere prayer. DnC 42:61, Alma 5:46
• Acquiring a testimony is not a passive thing but a process in which we are expected to do something.
• Bare it. Testify of what you do know.
• Partake of the sacrament.

We have a duty to share our testimonies. Those who know should tell those that do not.

Children should be encouraged to define themselves by their testimony rather than by sports achievements and such.

Testimonies can be shared privately with an acquaintance or in public to a group or meeting.

We are united in following our leaders and also independent in choosing for ourselves.

Knowledge encourages obedience and obedience increases knowledge. As a scientist obeys the principles in an experiment he will learn more about that principle.

Elder Robert D. Hales - Apostle (Audio, Video)

Gaining a Testimony of God the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost
The solemn assembly was not a vote. It was a commitment.

"People all over the world, of every creed and persuasion, search and struggle to know, Who is God? What is His relationship to Jesus Christ? And what is our relationship with Them?"

He talked about God and Jesus being separate distinct beings. He quoted the 1st Article of Faith. "We ^abelieve in ^bGod, the Eternal Father, and in His ^cSon, Jesus Christ, and in the ^dHoly Ghost. " He talked about Joseph Smith finding out through personal experience the nature of God the Father and Jesus Christ by seeing them.

Elder Hales gave some scriptures that show that they are two beings and he talked of Jesus being the literal Son of God.
Matthew 3:16–17, Luke 9:35, 3 Nephi 11:7, Joseph Smith—History 1:17, John 17:24, Matthew 26:39, Luke 23:46

Elder Gerald N. Lund - Seventy (Audio, Video)
Opening Our Hearts
Personal Revelation
Elder Lund said, "The voice of the Spirit is described as still and small and one that whispers.⁴ How can a voice be still? Why is it likened to a whisper? Because the Spirit almost always speaks to our minds and to our hearts⁵ rather than to our ears."

The condition of our hearts affects our sensitivity of spiritual things. The scriptures talk much of having soft hearts and pure hearts.

Elder Carlos H. Amado - Seventy (Audio, Video)

Service, a Divine Quality

He talked about three purposes of the savior's life. His atoning Sacrifice, His Doctrine, His Service to the Children of God.

"As Heavenly Father’s Only Begotten Son in the flesh, He inherited all of His Father’s divine qualities, and from His earthly mother, Mary, He inherited mortal characteristics."

Mosiah 5: 13 - "For how ^aknoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?"

Mosiah 2: 17 - "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. "

Elder William R. Walker - Seventy (Audio, Video)
Three Presiding High Priests
He talked about how the leadership of the church are in three. Bishoprics, stake presidencies, and even the first presidency.

Elder Richard G. Scott - Apostle (Audio, Video)
To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse
He talked to the victims about relying on Christ to find healing. He talked to the abusers about relying on Christ to repent and change.

Elder L. Tom Perry - Apostle (Audio, Video)
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Rom. 1: 16 - For I am not ^aashamed of the ^bgospel of Christ: for it is the ^cpower of God unto ^dsalvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The desired results of the picture in the cookbook can only be achieved by following the recipe. So it is with the gospel. "If directions are not followed or an ingredient is left out or miscalculated, the desired taste and appearance are seldom attained."

Baptism is a gate, because it is an entry into a covenant.