Elders Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow
No matter where we are there is someone to teach. We should not get caught up in getting to our destination so much that we fail to see opportunities where we are at.
We have the truth, so there is a lot of responsibility for us to act. "Where much is given, much is required."
One of the keys to missionary work is our own behavior. We must check our behavior to make it represent the Savior.
"Same divine and holy calling...we assume all of the responsibility of ambassadors of christ."
Sunday School
Doctrine and Covenants 128:2
2 I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. I have had a few additional views in relation to this matter, which I now certify. That is, it was declared in my former letter that there should be a recorder, who should be eye-witness, and also to hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a truth before the Lord.
The Lord was establishing that the work should be documented in the Church in general, as well as in each congregation in the Church.
The Lord commanded the saints to keep very good records. We find it to be a pain in our day, but we can see the fruits of these record from that time period. Those records are very valuable and those records we don't have we often wish we had to know more about what was going on at that time.
The Lord also wanted to bestow the fulness of the priesthood on the saints at Nauvoo, but they didn't have a temple.
Are baptisms for the dead more sacred since the Lord prefers them to be done in temples?
What does it mean that we cannot be saved without our kindred dead?
Malachi last chapter:5-6 was given to Joseph Smith in a plainer translation by Moroni before telling Joseph about the Book of Mormon plates.
The extra part Moroni had given talks of why Elijah was going to come.
The president of the church is the only one authorized to ordain temple sealers, since he is the only one authorized to exercised those keys.
Once things are welded together they are stronger at the weld than the separate materials alone.
"I now invite the attention of the young women, young men, and children of the rising generation as I emphasize the importance of the Spirit of Elijah in your lives today. My message is intended for the entire Church in general—but for you in particular.
"Many of you may think family history work is to be performed primarily by older people. But I know of no age limit described in the scriptures or guidelines announced by Church leaders restricting this important service to mature adults. You are sons and daughters of God, children of the covenant, and builders of the kingdom. You need not wait until you reach an arbitrary age to fulfill your responsibility to assist in the work of salvation for the human family." (Elder David A Bednar, "The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn", October 2011 General Conference)
Sacrament Service
We spend time fixing up our houses physically, but how much time do we work on building it spiritually?
You prepare for physical repairs to your home. You assess what needs work. You assess how to fix it. You assess what materials and tools you need. Similar processes should be followed for spiritual repairs and improvements.
When we go to the temple, don't rush. Prepare beforehand. Make sure we have everything we need before walking out the door.
Go to the temple with a purpose.
Righteous desires should not be impulsive and temporary.
"The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of … God."( Gordon B. Hinckley, “If Ye Be Willing and Obedient,” Ensign, Dec. 1971, 125)
Abraham was told that because of his obedience all the nations of the earth would be blessed.
"The concern is not where we live—but how we live. Obedience to the laws of the Lord will bring happiness and peace. We never need apologize for living the standards of the Church" ( JAMES A. CULLIMORE, “To Be in the World but Not of the World”, General Conference October 1973)
Alma 12:32
32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.
“Heavenly Father first taught Adam and Eve the plan of redemption; then He gave them commandments. All commandments have their eternal importance in the context of the great plan of happiness…” ( Elder J E Jensen, “Keep an Eternal Perspective”, April 2000 General Conference)
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