Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 29 January 2017

Sacrament Service 

“Few writers in our generation have produced the number and quality of best-selling books that James A. Michener has. I am amazed at the range of his interests and his commitment to excellence. His success is not accidental. It does not come solely from the endowment of a natural talent. His success comes from developing the habit of hard work.

“He was raised in poverty by a widowed mother. From age eleven, James worked six days a week every summer and delivered papers during the winter. At age fourteen he apprenticed as a plumber and worked fourteen hours a day in the summer and four hours a day in the winter. In looking back he says, ‘Instead of turning me against work, this ingrained in me the attitude that sensible people work hard to attain sensible goals—a philosophy I still adhere to.’ (‘An Authentic Work Ethic: I. The Path to Achievement,’ Reader’s Digest, Jan. 1977, p. 149.)” (J Richard Clarke, The Value of Work, APril 1992 General Conferece)

Sunday School 

In what ways can we be witnesses of the Book of Mormon? 

Martin Harris lost the translation of the book of Lehi. 

Doctrine and Covenants 10

As Nephi prophesied, there was a reason Nephi recorded some of the same things as his father had written. 

Doctrine and Covenants 3:7

7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—

Doctrine and Covenants 30:1-2

1 Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.

The teacher recommended the book “Revelations in Context”

Elders Quorum 

What is the gospel?  The gospel is often referred to as the good news.  That good news is the atonement. 

What is the fulness of the gospel? 

The fulness of the gospel or the fulness of the good news is complete information about the atonement. 

3 Nephi 27:13-14

13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

The teacher recommended the book “The Infinite Atonement”

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 22 January 2017

Sacrament Service

First Speaker

The Tower of Babel

• Languages confounded.
• Brother of Jared’s languages was not confounded.
• An example of The Book of Mormon and The Bible working together.

Second Speaker
Mosiah 3:12
12 But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Nephi 25:25
25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

John 14:27
27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Third Speaker

If the Devil can discourage us, then he can get us to turn to vices.

Acts 20:32

32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

We are called to be grace to others.

Be a steward of encouragement to others.

Stake Conference Layton North Stake Layton Utah 15 January 2017

General Session of Stake Conference 

A counselor in the stake presidency spoke.

In nature and in human life, discomfort and pain often comes before growth. Lobsters experience discomfort, pain, and vulnerability as it sheds its shell, in order to grow.  If they do not go through that and shed that shell, they will not grow. 

“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice,” (Viktor Frankl, Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist as well as a Holocaust survivor.)

A young woman spoke to us. 

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7

  7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

Joshua 1:9

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

A sister spoke to us. 

“Exaltation is our goal; discipleship is our journey.”(President Dieter F Uchtdorf, “It Works Wonderfully”, October 2015 General Conference)

“The future is as bright as your faith” (President Thomas S Monson, “Be of Good Cheer”, April 2009 General Conference)

A young man spoke to us. 

3 Nephi 18 - The entire chapter is about the sacrament.

A sister spoke to us. 

“And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (Book of Mormon Title Page)

2 Nephi 25:26

  26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

“The golden question of the Book of Mormon is ‘Do you want to learn more of Christ?’” (Ezra Taft Benson, The Book of Mormon Is the Word of God, April 1975 General Conference)

“As we speak to others, we need to remember that an invitation to learn more about Jesus Christ and His gospel is preferable to an invitation to learn more about our Church.” (Dallin H Oaks, Sharing the Restored Gospel, October 2016 General Conference)

“My beloved brethren and sisters, today I would like to speak about one of the most significant gifts given to the world in modern times. The gift I am thinking of is more important than any of the inventions that have come out of the industrial and technological revolutions. This is a gift of greater value to mankind than even the many wonderful advances we have seen in modern medicine. It is of greater worth to mankind than the development of flight or space travel. I speak of the gift of the Book of Mormon, given to mankind 156 years ago.” (Ezra Taft Benson, The Book of Mormon, October 1986 General COnference)

3 Nephi 11:14

14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may athrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may bfeel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the cGod of Israel, and the God of the whole dearth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

Alma 7:12

12 And he will take upon him adeath, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

“Now, my beloved brethren and sisters, let us read the Book of Mormon and be convinced that Jesus is the Christ. Let us continually reread the Book of Mormon so that we might more fully come to Christ, be committed to Him, centered in Him, and consumed in Him.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Come Unto Christ, October 1987 General Conference)

The stake president spoke to us. 

Helaman 14:11-12

11 And ye shall ahear my words, for, for this intent have I come up upon the walls of this city, that ye might hear and know of the judgments of God which do await you because of your iniquities, and also that ye might know the conditions of repentance;

12 And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the aFather of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name.

Mormon 8:35

35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

We are blessed to have been seen by prophets for millenium. 

Choose to be positive.

Stake Conference This Week at Layton North Stake Layton Utah 14 January 2017

Adult Session of Stake Conference 

The Mission President’s Wife

She recapped some things that happened in Conference the last time they were here. 

2 Nephi 5:26-27

26 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my people.

27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

Prayers are seldom answered they way we expect. 

President of the Utah Ogden Mission 

Tonight ask ourselves who, when, and how. 

Who will we invite, as missionaries? 

When will we invite them?

How will we do it? 

Then ask these questions to the Lord. 

A high councilman spoke to us

Some one might ask you about a product or service or place and ask if you would recommend it to others or refer others to it. 

Would you recommend or refer someone to the Church. 

Acts 3:6

6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

A senior missionary couple spoke to us. 

The stake patriarch spoke to us. 

A member of the stake presidency spoke to us. 

Alma 34:38

38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

Carry your own weather. 

Dnc 59:7,23

7 Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.

23 But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.

“Keep your eyes open to your mercies. The man who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life.” -  Robert Lewis Stevenson

“I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.” (Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2–4).

 2 Nephi 5:27

27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

“Here is a simple but powerful truth: living righteously and keeping God’s commandments make us happy.” (Marlin K Jensen, Living after the Manner of Happiness, Ensign December 2002)

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah and Fireside 8 January 2017

Sunday School - teaching in the Savior's way

Love those you teach.

Pray for those you teach by name.

Get to know your class members. Check out their Facebook page if they have one.  Know their family members’ names.

Elders Quorum

Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 1

Young Adult Devotional

Sister Wendy W Nelson, “Love and Marriage”

“ So, here are Aunt Wendy’s four truths about love and marriage:

Truth #1: Truths about love and marriage are brought to you by the Holy Ghost from our Heavenly Father

Truth #2: Personal purity is the key to true love.

Truth #3: As an important part of the expression of their love, the Lord wants a husband and wife to partake of the wonders and joys of marital intimacy.

Truth #4: For true marital intimacy, the Holy Ghost needs to be involved.

President Russell M Nelson, “Prophets, Leadership, and Divine Law”

“You are the future leaders of the Lord’s Church! Are you ready to take the reins of leadership?”

“When I spoke to you a year ago, I challenged you to rise up as the true millennials you were born to be. You are to help prepare the world for the millennial reign of the Savior by helping to gather the elect from the four quarters of the earth, so that all who choose to do so may receive the gospel of Jesus Christ and all of its blessings. Tonight I want to speak to you about how you can prepare.”

President Nelson stated that he had known 10 of the 16 presidents of the Church.  He talked about several things of each of them.

“I work as hard as I can and do everything within my power. And I try to keep the commandments. Then I let the Lord make up the difference.” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Dew, Ezra Taft Benson, viii.)

“I promise that as you keep God’s commandments, as you live by His laws, you will become increasingly free. This freedom will unveil to you your divine nature and allow you to prosper personally.”

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 1 January 2017

Sacrament Service

Abraham 3:22-23

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

Genesis 17 is the Abrahamic covenant.

Mark 16:15

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Jacob 1:19

19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:34

34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 133 -  The new and everlasting covenant.

Is a college education wasted on a stay at home mom?

God makes covenants with man.  Man is the only one that can break it.  God will not.

To live a covenant you have to understand it.

Sunday School

The instructor recommended the book “Revelations in Context”.  It is the “The stories behind the sections of the Doctrine and Covenants “.  It is available on the lds.org and in the Gospel Library app. They also recommended the Joseph Smith Papers project.

“The Book of Mormon is the ‘keystone’ of our religion, and the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation. The Lord has placed His stamp of approval on both the keystone and the capstone.” ( President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants”, April 1987 General Conference)

Ephesians 2:20

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

The Book of Mormon is the keystone. The Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone. Christ is the cornerstone.

We talked about the introduction to Our Heritage: A Brief History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We talked about the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants.

“The fulness of times is the final dispensation and began with the revelation of the gospel to Joseph Smith. It is a dispensation of restoration and of fulfillment of the Lord’s plans and purposes since the world began. There are also things reserved for the fulness of times that have not been revealed previously (D&C 121:26–32; 124:41). It is a glorious time, the time in which we live today (see Acts 3:19–21; D&C 27:13; 110:11–16; 112:14–32; 128:18–21; 136:37–40).”

The Doctrine and Covenants bring many clarifications of doctrines and about the nature of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:2

2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.

“What's on the Other Side?” By Brent Topp was recommended by one of the class members.

Elders Quorum

Self reliance - the ability, commitment, and effort to provide the spiritual and temporal necessities of life for self and family.

“There will be occasions in each of our lives when we will be called upon to explain or to defend our beliefs. When the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Our Sacred Priesthood Trust”, April 2006 General Conference)

“On a daily basis we witness widely fluctuating inflation; wars; interpersonal conflicts; national disasters; variances in weather conditions; innumerable forces of immorality, crime, and violence; attacks and pressures on the family and individuals; technological advances that make occupations obsolete; and so on. The need for preparation is abundantly clear. The great blessing of being prepared gives us freedom from fear, as guaranteed to us by the Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).” (Elder L Tom Perry, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear”, October 1995 General Conference)