Sacrament Service
This year's stake themes are to focus on service. This year’s stake theme is: D&C 4:2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
Each month’s theme will focus on the year’s them in a specific way. This month’s theme is: Studying the importance of ministering to the one, pray to know who you can serve then act on the impressions you receive, share successes in your FHE.
- Reference Scripture: 3 Nephi 17: 18-21
- Reference Talk: What Have I Done for Someone Today? - President Thomas S. Monson – October 2009
- Link to lds.org: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-09-016-flecks-of-gold?lang=eng
Simple acts of service being the influence of the spirit.
When we teach youth and we see them try something and then have them see that it works. Whether it be a science experiment or an experiment on the word of God. When they try something and witness for themselves how things work is great.
There was a bit of time between testimonies today. It was a great opportunity to ponder what was said or other things the spirit was trying to tell us.
Sunday School
My lesson on Reverence for Sacred Things
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Have you had any questions come up in your personal study of the gospel that you would like to ask our discuss?
We are going to talk about having reverence for sacred things today.
What is reverence? Is it slightly different for a toddler than for a primary kid than for teenagers and adults?
A toddler might have good reverence if they fold their arms and be quiet.
A primary child might have good reverence if they find their arms, be quiet and she still.
How should our reverence be as those who have matured beyond a primary child?
What things should we have reverence for?
D&C 63:61
61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—
The lesson mentions that we should all be mindful that the names of Deity are sacred and that we should use them with reverence and respect.
What are examples of ways we should be cautious of how we take the lord's name to our lips?
-profanity
-blessing the sacrament when we are not worthy.
-partaking of the sacrament casually. Without thinking of the Savior and recommitting to be better.
The names of Deity are sacred. What does it mean for something to be sacred?
Elder Paul B Pieper, To Hold Sacred, General Conference April 2012
“Sacred means worthy of veneration and respect. By designating something as sacred, the Lord signals that it is of higher value and priority than other things. Sacred things are to be treated with more care, given greater deference, and regarded with deeper reverence. Sacred ranks high in the hierarchy of heavenly values.”
There are times we show extra reverence. One time would be when talking about Deity or when using their names.
Back in olden times you didn't speak the name of Jehovah ever.
Why should we be reverent when speaking of God?
There are things that are so important or sacred to us that we show reverence when they are discussed or what we are in their presence.
Here are a some scriptures that talk about being cautious as we speak of sacred things.
3 Nephi 26:9-11
9 And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
10 And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
11 Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.
9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
Sacred things are withheld from those that are not prepared partially because with great power or knowledge comes great responsibility and they will be accountable for what they know. They are also withheld because sacred things diminish in value to those that receive them when treated lightly.
What are some other things that are sacred and we’ll talk about what makes each one sacred and why we should pay close attention and up our reverence when they are discussed or when they are near?
How about the temple, the Chapel , the sacrament, spiritual experiences, the sabbath, our repentance and our sins, and the priesthood? How about womanhood?
Womanhood
“Woman is God’s supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal life had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good.” (President Gordon B Hinckley, “Our Responsibility to Our Young Women”, Ensign September 1988)
This type of talk might cause girls or women to gloat a bit and say, “That’s right women are the best.” or “Girl Power!” Does that type of talk treat womanhood with respect and reverence and as something sacred or does it treat it with contention and arrogance?
What are some ways that men show their reverence for womanhood?
Do your fathers require you to show respect to your mother? It is my opinion that all women are mothers. I think this is supported by the fact that the Church gives gifts to all women on Mother’s Day.
What are some ways that women show their reverence for womanhood?
How do we treat something that is sacred? How do we act around something that is sacred?
When we give reverence to sacred things we are more able to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The act of giving reverence is giving focused respectful attention to something. This means that other distractions are blocked out. This means that our agendas and pleasures are postponed or disregarded entirely.
The Sabbath
Why is the Sabbath sacred?
How do we treat the Sabbath as sacred.
The Chapel
Why is the chapel sacred?
How do we treat the chapel as sacred?
The Priesthood
Why is the priesthood sacred?
How do we treat the priesthood as sacred?
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Elders Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson - Introduction
President Benson preached a lot to read the Book of Mormon. He also preached about freedom.
Every prophet generally has a topic they particularly preach during their ministry. His was the Book of Mormon. Our current prophet, Thomas S Monson, talks of service and his life is full of stories of him giving service.
President Benson was the United States secretary of agriculture for a time.
He and his family once sang on the Ed Sullivan Show.
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