Exodus 15:26
26 And said, If thou wilt adiligently bhearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and ckeep all his statutes, I will put none of these ddiseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that ehealeth thee.
The bishop gave us a few words of encouragements. "Pick your priorities. If your first priority is not the kingdom of God then whatever else you choose doesn't matter. Remember who you are, where you you want to go, and how you are going to get there. If you don't pick your priorities someone will pick them for you."
Elders' Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith Chapter 14: Words of Hope and Consolation at the Time of Death p.141–81
Just like any other trial in our lives, is there a purpose in our lives when a loved one or even a child of ours dies? Is there anything positive we learn from it?
This life is not the end and we can see our loved ones again if we are obedient.
Sunday School
Book of Mormon Manual Lesson 30: “The Great Plan of Happiness” p.133
Alma 40-42
We talked about Alma teaching his son, Corianton, after Corianton was disobedient on his mission.
Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "I have long believed that the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior will improve behavior."
We also talked about the teachings of Nehor that were prevalent at the time that may have influenced Corianton.
- No need to repent.
- All mankind will be saved - No atonement.
- Not possible to know of things to come.
- Held PPIs - The PPIs are held individually and privately. That way failures don't make children feel embarrassed or successes don't make the others jealous.
- Had gift of discernment. -Elder David A. Bednar quoted Steven L. Richards on the gift of discernment in the talk Quick to Observe at BYU on May 10, 2005 - "
First, I mention the gift of discernment, embodying the power to discriminate . . . between right and wrong. I believe that this gift when highly developed arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions—spiritual impressions, if you will—to read under the surface as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them. . . .
. . . Every member in the restored Church of Christ could have this gift if he willed to do so. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. He could not be led astray by pseudo-prophets and subversive cults. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. . . . We ought to be grateful every day of our lives for this sense which keeps alive a conscience which constantly alerts us to the dangers inherent in wrongdoers and sin. [CR, April 1950, 162–63; emphasis added]"
Elder James E. Faust in the address at BYU on November 15, 1995 Trying to Serve the Lord Without Offending the Devil - "Satan has had great success with this gullible generation. As a consequence, literally hosts of people have been victimized by him and his angels. There is, however, an ample shield against the power of Lucifer and his hosts. This protection lies in the spirit of discernment through the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift comes undeviatingly by personal revelation to those who strive to obey the commandments of the Lord and to follow the counsel of the living prophets." - Reproved with sharpness and teaches doctrine and shows an increase of love. (D&C 121: 43) - One of the definitions that the American Heritage Dictionary has for the word sharp is "Having clear form and detail" another they gave is "Clearly and distinctly set forth".
Elder H. Burke Peterson of the First Quorum of the Seventy stated in his talk Unrighteous Dominion, "Perhaps we should consider what it means to reprove with sharpness. Reproving with sharpness means reproving with clarity, with loving firmness, with serious intent. It does not mean reproving with sarcasm, or with bitterness, or with clenched teeth and raised voice. One who reproves as the Lord has directed deals in principles, not personalities. He does not attack character or demean an individual."
- Clarifies that there is a need for a savior. Alma 39:15 - 15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the acoming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
- Testifies that there is a savior coming. Alma 39:16 - 16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their achildren to hear the word at the time of his coming.
Someone pointed out that there were things that Alma was learning as he taught or prepared to teach his son. Class members stated that those who teach often learn more about what they teach.
The body and the spirit separate and you are brought to God's (Christ's) realm for a mini judgment to determine where you will wait until you are resurrected. These spirits are in transit between their origin (life) and destination (post judgment). Alma 40:11-13 -
Corianton ends up understanding and is called again to the mission.
Sacrament Meeting
One of the speakers quoted Marion G. Romney. I think it was this talk and this quote. The Responsibilities of Home Teachers, "
Among the specific responsibilities of home teachers, the following may be listed:
First and foremost, to so live that they always enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost and act under his inspiration in the discharge of their home teaching responsibilities.
Second, to encourage and inspire every member to do his or her part to make and keep the home a truly Latter-day Saint home.
This would mean, among other things, that parents are sealed in the temple; that children not born under the covenant are sealed to parents; that future marriages are performed in the temple; that family prayers are regularly said night and morning; that secret prayers are said by every member with like consistency; that other gospel standards and practices are understood and complied with; that home evenings are regularly observed and the recommended lessons considered; that children are blessed and baptized in harmony with the revelations; that ordinations in the priesthood are merited and obtained in proper season; that priesthood bearers attend their priesthood meetings; that sacrament meeting attendance is regular; and that every member participate in the organizations and activities sponsored by the Church for his or her temporal and spiritual development."
If you want people to come visit you then you should reach out and visit others yourself. -Matt. 7: 12 - 12 Therefore all things awhatsoever ye would that bmen should cdo to you, ddo ye even so to them: for this is the elaw and the prophets.
It was expressed that service is another word for love.
He quoted from a talk by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin from the October 2007 general conference - The Great Commandment - "What quality defines us best as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I would answer: we are a people who love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and we love our neighbors as ourselves."
Many show a fish or a cross to show they are followers of God. The way that we should show it is with our lives and by serving and loving each other.
1 Cor. 13: 8
8 Charity never afaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
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