Sunday April 27, 2008 - Services Cumberland Ward

Sacrament Meeting
Youth Speaker
Without the sun we have no life on earth. Without the light of Christ quickens our spirits. It leads us to receive the Holy Ghost.

2nd speaker
Prayer
3 Nephi 18 - 21 ^aPray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.

3rd Speaker
Church
Prior to the savior the law was the law of Moses.

Evangelist is patriarch. Pastor is Bishop.

Jesus makes up the difference where we fall short, if we do our best.

He talked about a letter he received from his aunt after she had heard all the reports about the polygamist cult in Texas. She compared us to other "cults". His first impulse was to call her, but he reflected on how much she cared for him. He still wants to respond, but he is considering his response.

Sunday School
Book of Mormon Manual - Lesson 15: “Eternally Indebted to Your Heavenly Father” p66
Mosiah 3 - 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.

Jesus Christ is the primary focus of the Book of Mormon.

The atonement applies to those that were alive before Christ was born.

King Benjamin taught righteous principles to his sons and we have a record of some of those teachings in the book of Mosiah.

The teacher stated that she felt the Church was for us to help each other through the rough times.

DnC 42 - 56 Thou shalt ask, and my ^ascriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be ^bpreserved in safety;
One of the best ways to preserve the scriptures is to have them in our minds and in the minds of our children. Being intimately familiar with the scriptures and even memorizing to some degree ensures that the scriptures are readily available to us.

King Benjamin gave the people a name and that name was Christ. They were to take his name upon them.

Christ knows our pains personally because he felt those pains and he is able to have compassion for us and is able to help us through anything and understand.

Christ did not have to do what he did for us, but he chose to. He could've backed out at anytime.

Someone speculated that one of the reasons Satan wanted to compel everyone to do what was right was because he was not willing to pay the price that was necessary to atone for our sins.

Someone shared that we many times think of repentance as something we have to do, but it is more something that we can do, a blessing.

Christ was the son of God and the son of Mary. He had the ability to die from Mary and the ability to rise again from God the Father.

Three groups of people that are covered by the atonement of Christ.

• Those who die without the law or sinned ignorantly. The light of Christ probably comes into play here. Their "conscience" tells them right and wrong to some degree.
• People who sin and repent.
• Little children that die in their infancy. Even through children are born into a fallen world and will die because of Adam's transgression, they are innocent. - Find reference to children being innocent.
  

Why are little children “blameless before God”? (See Mosiah 3:16, Mosiah 3:21; Moroni 8:12; D&C 29:46. Although “by nature, they fall,” they are “blameless before God” because they are “alive in Christ” through the Atonement.)
Little children who die in their infancy (Mosiah 3:16, Mosiah 3:18, Mosiah 3:21; see also D&C 137:10).

Mosiah 3 - 16 And even if it were possible that little ^achildren could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are ^bblessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ ^catoneth for their sins.

Mosiah 3 - 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.

Elders' Quorum
Home Teaching
He related a story about a guy that was talking to his home teachers. The guy was not active. He asked them one day when they were going to tell him to stop smoking and drinking and such. They responded that they hadn't because they thought it would be insulting to tell him something that he already knew he should be doing.

My boys had talk and scripture in Primary, so I bailed out to go watch and help them.

Sunday April 13, 2008 - Sunday Services Sullivan Hollow Second Ward

Ward Home Page

Priesthood Opening
Someone shared a scripture that they said they thought of as they listened to the prophet and apostles speak last weekend.

Amos 3:7 -"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, ^abut he ^brevealeth his ^csecret unto his servants the ^dprophets."

They announced a DI drive. Deseret Industries is an organization that collects used items and sells them. The proceeds go to pay the employees who would otherwise have trouble getting work. I knew that part, as it is like Goodwill in Indiana. What I did not know was that DI is owned by the Church and it is part of the Church welfare system. My friend told me that people that have financial hardship can get vouchers from their bishop to get a bed of something from DI. A little like getting an order of food from the store house.

They took volunteers for something they called a 40 day fast. I guess the ward is collectively fasting for 40 days. A member takes a day of the 40 days until they filled up all the days. The days were not filling up, so the bishop reemphasized the importance of what they were doing. He had the members of the priesthood remind him why they were fasting. They said for missionary work and for the extra power that fasting brings. The bishop stated that this is not The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Tourists. It is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are to be saints, followers of Christ, not just tourists that watch the work of Christ.

Elders' Quorum

Chapter 6: The Mission of John the Baptist p. 79–87

The instructor passed out a handout with the following images on them.

The excavated remains of the baptism site in Bethany Beyond Jordan, in modern-day Jordan. (Wikipedia)

John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus (LDS.org)

John the Baptist Conferring the Aaronic Priesthood (LDS.org)

The handout had the below text.

Begin Handout

Brief Description of John the Baptist

Scripture about John the Baptist

Luke 7:28 - No greater prophet

Isaiah 40:3-5 - Prophecy

John 1:22-23 - Prophecy Fulfilled

Malachi 3:1 - Prophecy

Luke 1:17, 76, 77 - Prophecy to his Father

D&C 84:28 - Ordained of God at Eight Days of Age

Brief Description of Life:

1. Born of Zachariah and Elizabeth, Birth foretold by Gabriel.

2. Zachariah was a priest, so John had the priesthood.

3. Preached and baptized in the River Jordan (see photo).

4. Knew he was a precursor to Jesus (John 3:22-36).

5. Imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas.

"Post-Life" Description

Ordained Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood on May 15, 1829 (JSH 1:68-70).

Priesthood Timeline (Dennis Roberts)

D&C 13.........................................................................(1829) Aaronic Priesthood

D&C 128:20.................................................................(1829) Melchizedek Priesthood

D&C 20:38-50.............................................................(1830) Apostle, Elders, Priests, Teachers, Deacons

D&C 41:9-10................................................................(1831) Bishops

D&C 52..........................................................................(1831) High Priests

D&C 81:90....................................................................(1832) First Presidency

Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith, 38-39............(1833) High Council

D&C 102.......................................................................(1834) Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

D&C 107:23-24...........................................................(1835) First Quorum of the Seventy

End Handout

Zachariah was probably familiar with the prophecies about a forerunner to the messiah. This must've been a similar shock to them like the news Mary and Joseph received as well.

It is a miracle that he was not killed sooner. Based on Jewish traditions he should have been executed for blasphemy.

Joseph Smith in commented on John being the greatest prophet (Luke 7:28) stated, "He was entrusted with a divine mission of preparing the way before the face of the Lord. Whoever had such a trust committed to him before or since? No man."

Sunday School
Book of Mormon Lesson 13: The Allegory of the Olive Trees p56
We came up with a brief list of symbols and meanings used in the allegory.

Symbol	Meaning
Vineyard	World
Grafting	People
Master	Christ
Pruning	People
Fruits	Works
Branches	Groups of People
Servant	Prophets

This is only a partial list that the class came up with.

Pruning, grafting, and digging - Christ works hard for the world and the individuals int eh world. Many things need to be done to make the tree grow in the best ways for it and for the vineyard.

Wild branches grafted in to tame them. This is also done to bring variety and to strengthen the tree after it had been pruned.

Someone brought out that sometimes those who have seminary as a class in school take it for granted. She said something about those out East have to get up early in the morning for seminary and are more dedicated. I don't know if one could say that those I grew up with who had early morning seminary were more dedicated, but it bring out an interesting idea that people might be grafted from other parts of the country into Utah and that that could be another meaning of the allegory.

Someone pointed out that those that were nourish on poor ground might mean those in the middle east where it was harder for Christ's Church to grow, whereas in America it was designed to be a place where one could worship God.

Again someone contrasted Utah with other parts of the country. They said that in other parts people have to plan to go to the temple and even stay overnight in a hotel. They also said that some have to travel to get to their ward buildings.

The gathering of Israel and the restoration are the grafting back in the branches.

Other servants - Missionaries and general church membership.

The bishopric called upon certain member of the ward to share experiences that we had with listening to General Conference last week. I had never seen anyone do a testimony meeting like that. I think it was just a special thing because of general conference.

The first person called upon talked about President Monson's talk from the priesthood session. President Monson had talked about a young boy wathing him and mimicing everything he did as he sat on the stand. He ended up wiggling his ears to give the boys a challenging thing to do. The speaker today wondered how many kids have watched him and the other priests as they have blessed the sacrament. He said that he would watch the olded boys when he was a little kid.

One guy talked about the statistics about how much service the Church gave last year. He said he felt very proud and the he reflected on if he had done his part as he heard a talk on being good neighbors.

One person related how he had a relative that called President Monson Little Tommy Monson because she knew him when she was young. It reminded me of my mission president who was a cousin of his and was always referring to him as Tommy.

Sacrament Meeting
There were two letters from the first presidency read today.

The first was a reiteration to stop sending letters to the first presidency with doctrinal issues. The Lord has set up His Church in an orderly way. Much like when Moses put leaders over smaller groups of the children of Israel. Those leaders then reported to him.

The second was stating that the story that has circulating that a Church leader has stated that those who were members of the church in Gordon B. Hinckley's day would have those in the after life bow to them because of their greatness. The letter stated that this is false doctrine and that no leader of the Church had ever said this.

Post Church
They had something after church called a second Sunday social. They had little snacks and people sat around and talked. I had never heard of that, but I think I have heard of a "linger longer", although I don't recall being in a ward that ever did that.

General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session April 6, 2008

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Apostle (Audio, Video)

“My Words . . . Never Cease”

Some Christians, because of their love for the Bible, state that there can be no more word from God than the Bible. He stated that we respectfully reject such a unscriptural mandate.

He commented on the statement in the Book of Revelation that states not to add to "this book". He stated that much of the Bible was written after that. He also stated that the Bible was not bound together as a complete collection until much after the Book of Revelation.

Moses 1:4

4 And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore ^alook, and I will show thee the ^bworkmanship of mine ^chands; but not all, for my ^dworks are without ^eend, and also my ^fwords, for they never cease.

The Old Testament does not lose value in our eyes when we are presented with the New Testament.

Joseph Smith—History 1:12

12 Never did any passage of ^ascripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed ^bwisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects ^cunderstood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
Thus one of the great purposes of continuing revelation through living prophets is to declare to the world through additional witnesses that the Bible is true. “This is written,” an ancient prophet said, speaking of the Book of Mormon, “for the intent that ye may believe that,” speaking of the Bible. (See Mormon 7:9)

D&C 10:52

52 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to ^adestroy that which they have received, but to build it up.

The scriptures are not our final authority. God is our final authority.

"In a sense Joseph Smith and his prophetic successors in this Church answer the challenge Ralph Waldo Emerson put to the students of the Harvard Divinity School 170 years ago this coming summer. To that group of the Protestant best and brightest, the great sage of Concord pled that they teach “that God is, not was; that He speaketh, not spake.”"
(“An Address,” The Complete Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (1929), 45.)

Elder David A. Bednar - Apostle(Audio, Video)

Ask in Faith

The principle of asking in faith.

We can all improve our consistency and efficacy of our person and family prayers.

Joseph did not go to the grove to ask which church was right, but which to join.

James 2:20

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that afaith without bworks is dead?

Faith is a principle of action and power.

Prayer requires holy communication and consecrated work.

Prayer requires honesty, effort, and commitment

It is our responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. The missionaries are full time teachers. It is our job to find.

Ether 12: 6

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that afaith is things which are bhoped for and cnot seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no dwitness until after the etrial of your faith.

Elder W. Craig Zwick - Seventy (Audio, Video) We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield

The scoffing of the world is loneliness trying to make itself feel better.

1 Nephi 8:33

33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of ascorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.

Elder Robert R. Steuer - Seventy (Audio, Video)

The Power of Light and Truth
He talked about the things he noticed about light as a child using a flashlight. He compared that to the light of the Gospel.

He noted things about Gospel light that Alma found. "...the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had . . . more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.” (Alma 31:5)

Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander - Seventy (Audio, Video)
One among the Crowd
He talked about various crowds. He talked of the crowds around the woman who had an issue of blood that pressed throught he crowds to touch the hem of Jesus' garment. He talked about the crowd of priests and the King Noah that Alma went contrary to in order to accept the truth that Abinidi taught from Christ. He talked of the crowd of people in the spacious building in Lehi's dream.

He noted that struggling against the crowd can be tough, but Jesus can reach us even in among the crowds.

Elder Lance B. Wickman - Seventy (Audio, Video)
Today

Alma 34:32–34

32 For behold, this ^alife is the time for men to ^bprepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of ^cthis life is the day for men to perform their ^dlabors.

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many ^awitnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not ^bprocrastinate the day of your ^crepentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the ^dnight of ^edarkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful ^acrisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth ^bpossess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

Jesus' decent below all things allows up to rise above all things.

Elder Craig C. Christensen - Seventy (Audio, Video)
A Book with a Promise

We have the benefit of living scriptures as well as canonized scriptures.

He presented a set of scriptures to a friend with that friend's name embosses on each volume. The friend asked, “Why do we need additional witnesses of Jesus Christ other than the Bible?” They asked him why he thought it might be important. "He suggested that since there appeared to be so many variations of the Bible and its teachings, we needed some kind of clarifying voice, something that would help us understand the Bible better."

Elder M. Russell Ballard - Apostle (Audio, Video)
Daughters of God

Mothers
"There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."

Cut out extra commitments. Cut out time wasting activities like soap operas and surfing the internet.

“Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

President Thomas S. Monson - Prophet (Audio, Video)
Abundantly Blessed

President Monson stated, "We've had rapid-fire messages from a lot of speakers, but every one touched on a very important subject."

He also said a few words about his father.

General Conference Sunday Morning Session April 6, 2008

President Dieter F. UchtDorf - Second Counselor in the First Presidency (Audio, Video)

Faith of Our Father

We do not seek nor do we decline callings from God.

He related a story of President Monson climbing the stairs to the fifth floor to visit an ailing member in Hamburg, Germany after having had foot surgery. Some things are worth the hardships we have to go through to have them. This experience I think was that to President Monson.

Elder Uchtdorf said that his ancestors were an ocean away when the pioneers crossed the plains. He said that his ancestors did not settle Nauvoo or cross the plains, but he claims the heritage of those great pioneers.

He stated that there are those that do not join the Church because they do not want to dishonor the heritage of their ancestors who were of another faith.

We should be concerned with what pleases God and not what pleases our ancestors.

Elder D. Todd Chistofferson - Apostle (Audio, Video)

Born Again

He is the newest called apostle. He gave some introduction and history of himself and his family.

He spoke of an instance where a recently retired minister of another faith, who he did not know came to his home, because he was concerned for the welfare of his soul. He was concerned about this since Brother Christofferson was a member of the LDS church.

This was of interest to me since this happens very frequently to me. We received a similar letter with a DVD enclosed from a friend of my wife's family just a short time ago. Much like what was expressed by Elder Christofferson this man was sincere and I too felt appreciative of the man's interest in me. I could understand how, if he truly believed I was being led astray and my soul was in danger it took great courage and concern to reach out.

He said that one thing that he recalls about their visit was a discussion they had on being born again. Elder Christofferson noted that being born again requires a change within us and not just a one time act.

He gave some scriptures related to being born agin:
born of water and of the Spirit (see John 3:3–5).

the change from natural man to saint (see Mosiah 3:19).

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2).

“We are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments . . . all the remainder of our days” (Mosiah 5:5; emphasis added).

“Because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name” (Mosiah 5:7; see also D&C 76:24).

“And thus they become new creatures” (Mosiah 27:24–26).

"...faith unto repentance” (Alma 34:15).

Elder Sheldon F. Child - Seventy (Audio, Video)

The Best Investment

Tithing
Malachi 3:8, 10
8 ¶ ^aWill a man ^brob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In ^ctithes and offerings.

10 Bring ye all the ^atithes into the storehouse, that there may be ^bmeat in mine house, and ^cprove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not ^dopen you the ^ewindows of heaven, and pour you out a ^fblessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Elder Sheldon stated, "The Lord asked Israel to prove Him, to test Him, to have faith in Him so that He would be able to keep His promise to them."

His mother told him that her father always told them that tithing was the best investment that one could ever make.

President Heber J. Grant stated, “I want to say to you, if you will be honest with the Lord, paying your tithing and keeping His commandments, He will not only bless you with the light and inspiration of His Holy Spirit, but you will be blessed in dollars and cents; you will be enabled to pay your debts, and the Lord will pour out temporal blessings upon you in great abundance.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1898, 16)

Susan W. Tanner - Just released as Young Woman General President (Audio, Video)

My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord

2 Nephi 4:15–16

15 And upon ^athese I ^bwrite the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul ^cdelighteth in the scriptures, and my heart ^dpondereth them, and writeth them for the ^elearning and the profit of my children.

16 Behold, my ^asoul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my ^bheart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

She listed things of the Lord that she delights in.

President Boyd K. Packer - President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Audio, Video)

The Twelve

“He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”(John 14:12)

When Jesus taught that he was the Son of God many were offended by it.
"Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" John 6:60, 66–68.

"In 1976 an area general conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Following the closing session, President Spencer W. Kimball desired to visit the Vor Frue Church, where the Thorvaldsen statues of the Christus and of the Twelve Apostles stand. He had visited there some years earlier and wanted all of us to see it, to go there.

"We walked to the back of the chapel where the rest of the group was standing. Pointing to the statues, President Kimball said to the kind custodian, 'These are the dead Apostles.' Pointing to me, he said, 'Here we have the living Apostles. Elder Packer is an Apostle. Elder Thomas S. Monson and Elder L. Tom Perry are Apostles, and I am an Apostle. We are the living Apostles.

'You read about the Seventies in the New Testament, and here are two of the living Seventies, Elder Rex D. Pinegar and Elder Robert D. Hales.'" (From this talk)

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

Looking Back and Moving Forward

He talked about President Hickleys passing and how the Church has and will move forward.

He also talked about enduring.
"We are waging a war with sin, my brothers and sisters, but we need not despair. It is a war we can and will win. Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need in order to do so. He is at the helm. We have nothing to fear. He is the God of light. He is the God of hope. I testify that He loves us—each one."

General Conference Priesthood Session April 5, 2008

Elder Quentin L. Cook - Apostle

Give Heed unto the Prophets’ Words

We go through fires in our lives. Some are small. Some are large. Some we can deal with on our own. Some require emergency intervention.

He talked about how his grandfather was involved in the rescue of the Willie and Martin handcart company.

Naaman- Prophet Elisha - Naaman did not like having to bathe in river Jordan. Servant asked if he had been asked to some great thing, would he not have done it. He then conceded and washed.

He stated, "Prophets are inspired to give us prophetic priorities."

At the time the word of wisdom was given and when it was made a requirement of attending the temple it was socially acceptable to smoke and was hardly thought anything of it as a health concern.

Bishop H. David Burton - Presiding Bishop

And Who Is My Neighbor?

The Church responded to 170 disaster events in 52 countries this year. 3.9 million people in 85 countries received humanitarian assistance from the Church this year.

He detailed parts of several of the projects that we have worked on this year.

Dean R. Burgess - First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency

Do You Know Who You Are?

He was asked when he was young by a member of the bishopric, "Do you know who you are? You are the son of Reed Burgess." We should know who we are and who we represent. Our family name and also the name of Christ.

How to come to a knowledge and receive a witness of who you are?
1. Do you know that you are a son of God? 1 John "What manner of love..." - find reference.
2. Do you know who you are in God's plan? John 3:16
3. Honor and respect those names you bear.
4. Live divine standards.
5. Do you know who you are as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? Follow the prophet.

He quoted President Monson. I found it in a couple of different talks he has given. The latest one I found was in a talk from October 2007 General Conference talk. "We have been entrusted to bear the priesthood and to act in the name of God. We are the recipients of a sacred trust. Much is expected of us."

Elder John M. Madsen - Seventy

A 12-Year-Old Deacon

President Kimball ("Boys Need Heroes Close By," Ensign, May 1976, 45) - "We are rearing a royal generation . . . who have special things to do."

Jesus was protected from the temptations of Satan by his strict obedience to the will of His Father.

Elder Dieter F. UchtDorf - Second Counselor in the First Presidency.

A Matter of a Few Degrees

He related a story of a flight to Antarctica that was off by a few degrees in their flight plan. It ended up making them be off by 28 miles. They ended up flying into the side of a volcano where they thought they were over flat ground.

Small errors can have a large impact on our lives.

He related Saul not holding to the counsel of Samuel the Prophet and offered the sacrifice without priesthood authority.

The early recognition of danger and course correction can avert destruction.

President Henry B. Eyring - First Counselor in the First Presidency

Faith and the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

Taking on the responsibility of the priesthood can seem daunting, but rejecting the opportunity is foregoing great blessings.

President Thomas S. Monson - Prophet

Examples of Righteousness

The evils of today often hide behind the mask of tolerance.

We should not permit ourselves to do anything we would not want to see our children do.

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.

General Conference Saturday Morning Session April 5, 2008

Session Audio and Video
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Second Counselor in the First Presidency (Audio, Video)
The Sustaining of Church Officers

He led a Solemn Assembly. We sustained President Monson as the new prophet and the new first presidency and the new Quorum of the Twelve Apostles today. They did it with a solemn assembly, which each quorum votes individually starting with the First Presidency and ending with the Young Women of the Church.

Elder Russell M. Nelson - Apostle (Audio, Video)
Salvation and Exaltation
Why did God give prophets and apostles? Ephesians 4:11-14

11 And he ^agave some, ^bapostles; and some, ^cprophets; and some, ^devangelists; and some, ^epastors and ^fteachers;

12 For the ^aperfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the ^bedifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the ^aunity of the faith, and of the ^bknowledge of the Son of God, unto a ^cperfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more ^achildren, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of ^bdoctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Article of Faith 3 "We believe that through the ^aAtonement of Christ, all ^bmankind may be ^csaved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."
An example of a law would be "Thou shalt not kill." An example of an ordinance would be baptism.
Obeying Jesus is possible or he wouldn't have told us to.

Elder Nelson stated that the development of faith in the Lord is an individual matter. Salvation and repentance is also an individual matter. It can not be coerced by a government or group.

Resurrection or being saved from physical death is free. Exaltation or Eternal Life or being saved from spiritual death is a conditional gift. Heb. 5: 9 "And being made ^aperfect, he became the ^bauthor of eternal ^csalvation unto all them that obey him; " (see also Matt. 6: 24, Luke 16: 13, Acts 5:32)

Moses taught, "And thou shalt ^ateach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt ^btalk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. " Deut. 6: 7, Deut. 11: 19

Elder Nelson counseled us, "Parents love each other and treat our children as an heritage from the Lord."

We are release from church callings, but we are never released as parents.

The Church is to assist and not replace parents in their sacred responsibilities.

Do not try to control your children. Listen to them.

He reminded us of what God's work is. Moses 1:39 - "For behold, this is my ^awork and my ^bglory—to bring to pass the ^cimmortality and ^deternal ^elife of man. "

We will be judged by the desires of our hearts as well as by our actions.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband - Presidency of the Seventy (Audio, Video)
Special Experiences
"These solemn assemblies confirm to us that this is the Lord's true and living church." I find living church to be an interesting phrase.

D&C 1: 23 - "That the ^afulness of my ^bgospel might be ^cproclaimed by the ^dweak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before ^ekings and ^frulers."

"Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony."
"Let us remember our own spiritual experiences" They will be to us spiritual building blocks.

Cheryl C. Lant - Primary General President (Audio, Video)
Righteous Traditions
What are our traditions? Do are our traditions lead us to where we want to go?

Elder Kenneth Johnson - Seventy (Audio, Video)
Restoring Faith in the Family
I have often thought that religion is a type of science. You read the materials of authorities in the field and then apply the principles they outline.

Elder Johnson stated, "Scientists gain their knowledge mainly through research, conducting experiments, and the application of intellect.
Disciples of Christ receive their witness by studying His words, observing His works, putting gospel principles into practice, and receiving the spirit of inspiration."

He also talked of the necessity of education. " It is, therefore, our responsibility to safeguard the home as a center of learning where these virtues can be instilled in an atmosphere of love and through the power of example."

You can also see some counsel on this in Proverbs 22:6.

He stated that he learned loyalty, integrity, and dependability in the home of his parents.

"...never be satisfied with anything less than your best efforts."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin- Apostle (Audio, Video)
Concern for the One
Elder Wirthlin stated, "True disciples of Jesus Christ have always been concerned for the one." He then quoted Matthew 18:11. (See also Luke 15:4.)
11 For the aSon of man is come to bsave that which was clost.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred asheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

He stated that three reasons people get lost is because they are different, they are weary, or they have strayed.

He spoke of having compassion for those that are different. He related a story of a child that was picked on when he was in school. After a while he stood up for the boy. He thought this would damage his friendship with the boys doing the teasing, but rather they drew closer to him and they had increased compassion for the boy they had teased.

The Lord often chooses the weak things of the word. The Lord is aware of their limitations and also their strengths.

The question is not if we will trip or fall. It is how we will respond to those trials.

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.

President Henry B. Eyring - 1st Counselor in the First Presidency (Audio, Video)
The True and Living Church
Elder Eyring stated, "This is the true Church, the only true Church, because in it are the keys of the priesthood. Only in this Church has the Lord lodged the power to seal on earth and to seal in heaven as He did in the time of the Apostle Peter. Those keys were restored to Joseph Smith, who then was authorized to confer them upon the members of the Quorum of the Twelve.
When the Prophet Joseph was murdered, the enemies of the Church thought that the Church would die. They thought it was the creation of a mortal man and therefore would perish with him. But their hopes were dashed. It was the true Church, and it also had the power to live on, even when those chosen for a time to lead it died.
Those that killed the prophet Joseph thought that it was the church of a man and would die with him."

Because of the disobedience of the members of the church following Christ's day, the church was removed from them. this was called the apostasy. If we are not obedient we will lose that which we have as well.

"Those who never give up will find that God never gave up and that He will help them."