Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 29 January 2023

Sacrament Meeting

First Speaker

The speaker suggested that Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and 3 Nephi are the five gospels, since they all detail parts of Christ’s ministry.

John 3:17

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

“...the cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one day also be the receptacle of joy…” (NEAL A. MAXWELL, “But for a Small Moment”, BYU Speech 1 Sept 1974)

Next Speaker

“This miraculously-born son of Zacharias was the last legal administrator of the old dispensation, the first of the new; he was the last of the old prophets, the first of the new. With him ended the old law, and with him began the new era of promise. He is the one man who stood, literally, at the crossroads of history; with him the past died and the future was born.” (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:113)

Luke 3:4-6

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Meat often refers to any food in the Bible.  Flesh referred to what we would call meat.

2 Nephi 31:6-8

6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 276).

Joint RS/EQ Meeting

The Goal:  To enhance our discipleship by increasing the influence of the Holy Ghost in each of our lives.

If a spaceman visits earth and only steps out of his spaceship every 23 hour, he could conclude that the earth rotates in the opposite directions and that a day is 552 hours long.

Are we getting frequent enough exposure to the spirit that we can gather enough data to make accurate conclusions? Are we receiving a clear signal?  Are we spending more time receiving the signals and messages of the world that we are missing data from the spirit?  Are we not receiving God’s love clearly, because we are tuned in to other signals more?

Moroni 7:19,20,33

19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the

light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every

good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every

good thing?

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do

whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

How do we lay hold of every good thing?

Moroni 7:25

Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which

proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ;

and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until

the coming of Christ.

DnC 13

Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels. and of the gospel of repentance. and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.

“Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

...

“Brethren, we need to do better and be better because we are in a battle. The battle with sin is real. The adversary is quadrupling his efforts to disrupt testimonies and impede the work of the Lord. He is arming his minions with potent weapons to keep us from partaking of the joy and love of the Lord.” (President Russell M  Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better”, April 2019 General Conference)

“Your Father in Heaven trusts you. He has given you great blessings, including the fulness of the gospel and sacred ordinances and covenants that bind you to Him and bring His power into your life. With those blessings comes added responsibility. He knows you can make a difference in the world, and that requires, in many cases, being different from the world. Seek your Heavenly Father’s guidance as you make choices. He will bless you with inspiration through the Holy Ghost.

“The purpose of For the Strength of Youth is not to give you a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ about every possible choice you might face. Instead, the Lord is inviting you to live in a higher and holier way—His way. This guide will teach you about His way. It explains truths He has revealed. Make these truths your guide for making choices—big choices, such as making covenants in the temple and serving a mission, as well as daily choices, such as how to treat people or how to spend your time.”

The Lord Trusts Us and Invites Us to Live Higher and

Holier

• Small intentional and incremental efforts will build

• Spiritual momentum

• The Lord loves effort

• Pray for help on where to start

• God enhances our capacity and works miracles in our lives

Some more questions from Moroni chapter 7:

• Has the day of miracles ceased?

• Have angles ceased to appear unto the children of men?

• Has He withheld from them the power of the Holy Ghost?

“Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought”

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 22 January 2023

Sacrament Meeting

First Speaker

Love One Another.

Be Kind.

Next Speaker

We should work to obey and also to understand what we are commanded.

What if we only spent time with our family because we had to?  What if our time with God(In prayers, church, temple, scripture study…) was only because we had to?

“Stated simply, true conversion is the fruit of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience.”

…

“True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the circumstances.” (Elder Richard G Scott, “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” Liahona, July 2002, 27; Ensign, May 2002, 25.)

3 Nephi 7:21

21 And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away, and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they believed.

“When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues! You know how best to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and with whom to associate. You know what you want to accomplish. You know the kind of person you really want to become.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail”, October 2020 General Conference)

Next Speaker

John 3:16

16 ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

DnC 88 - This section is also known as the olive leaf.

The light of Christ is what governs all things.

Elders Quorum

The lesson was based on the conference talks Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony By Elder Gary E. Stevenson and The Answer Is Jesus By Elder Ryan K. Olsen 

The teacher said he is reading the book The Spiritual Physics of Light. 

Romans 1:16

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Church Services This Week at Layton North Stake Layton Utah 15 January 2023

General Session of Stake Conference

First Speaker

"A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true." (Elder Dallin H Oaks, “Testimony”, April 2008 General Conference)

“When I as a boy first started out in the ministry, I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, until he made me to know the truth from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, and until doubt and fear had been absolutely purged from me. He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this, nor did he have to speak with the trump of an archangel. By the whisperings of the still small voice of the Spirit of the living God, he gave to me the testimony I possess.” ( President Joseph F Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 7)

DnC 8:2

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

Next Speaker 

Psalm 92:1-2

1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,

Next Speaker

2 Nephi 11:4 

4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

2 Nephi 25:24-27

24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.

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.

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.

27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.

“Through Moses, the Lord instructed the people to gather enough manna each day for that day, except on the day before the Sabbath, when they were to gather enough for two days (see Exodus 16:19–29).

“By providing a daily sustenance, one day at a time, Jehovah was trying to teach faith to a nation that over a period of some 400 years had lost much of the faith of their fathers. He was teaching them to trust Him, to “look unto [Him] in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36). He was providing enough for one day at a time. Except for the sixth day, they could not store manna for use in any succeeding day or days. In essence, the children of Israel had to walk with Him today and trust that He would grant a sufficient amount of food for the next day on the next day, and so on. In that way He could never be too far from their minds and hearts.” (Elder D Todd Christofferson, “Look to God Each Day”, February 2015 Liahona)

Allow yourself moments of stillness.

Next Speaker 

“As part of Heavenly Father’s plan of redemption, you experience adversity during mortality. Trials, disappointments, sadness, sickness, and heartache are a difficult part of life, but they can lead to spiritual growth, refinement, and progress as you turn to the Lord.” (True to the Faith, 2004)

“When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier. So many issues become nonissues!” (President Russell M Nelson, “Let God Prevail”, October 2020 General Conference)

“To be very clear, the best guide you can possibly have for making choices is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the strength of youth.” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth”, October 2022 General Conference)

Next Speaker 

Isaiah 5:20-21

20 ¶ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Next Speaker 

“Since last conference, difficulties in the world have continued. The global pandemic still affects our lives. And now the world has been rocked by a conflict that is raining terror on millions of innocent men, women, and children.

“Prophets have foreseen our day, when there would be wars and rumors of wars and when the whole earth would be in commotion. As followers of Jesus Christ, we plead with leaders of nations to find peaceful resolutions to their differences. We call upon people everywhere to pray for those in need, to do what they can to help the distressed, and to seek the Lord’s help in ending any major conflicts.” (President Russell M Nelson, “Preaching the Gospel of Peace”, April 2022 General Conference)

Dnc 18:15-16

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Next Speaker 

Moroni 8:3

3 I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.

“...these comments are for the essentially “honorable” members who are skimming over the surface instead of deepening their discipleship and who are casually engaged rather than “anxiously engaged.” (D&C 76:75; D&C 58:27.) Though nominal in their participation, their reservations and hesitations inevitably show through. They may even pass through our holy temples, but, alas, they do not let the holy temples pass through them.

“Such members accept callings but not all of the accompanying responsibilities;” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Settle This in Your Hearts’”, October 1992 General Conference)

We have to be careful not to do so much for our children that we don't do things with our children.

“It is significant that when we partake of the sacrament we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. We witness that we are willing to do so. (See D&C 20:77.) The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us in the most important sense.

“What future event or events could this covenant contemplate? The scriptures suggest two sacred possibilities, one concerning the authority of God, especially as exercised in the temples, and the other—closely related—concerning exaltation in the celestial kingdom.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ”, April 1985 General Conference)

 

Church Services This Week at Layton North Stake Layton Utah 14 January 2023

 Stake Leadership Meeting 

First Speaker 

A guy who recently came back to church spoke to us. 

Next Speaker

The Elders Quorum president of the previous speaker talked of how they worked with the previous speaker. 

Next Speaker

Ether 13:12

12 And when these things come, bringeth to pass the scripture which saith, there are they who were first, who shall be last; and there are they who were last, who shall be first.

“In all of eternity, no one will ever know you or care about you more than He does. No one will ever be closer to you than He is. You can pour out your heart to Him and trust Him to send the Holy Ghost and angels to care for you,” (President Russell M Nelson, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, Sunday, May 15, 2022)

Ahmad S. Corbitt, First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency

Chapter 4-4.2.3 in the handbook. 

Heavenly Father models for us how to serve each other. 

"leaders first strive to be the Savior’s faithful disciples by following His teachings and example (see Luke 18:22). Then they can help others draw nearer to Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost." (handbook)

"The Savior increased the capacity of others by giving them responsibility and opportunities to grow (see Matthew 10:5–8; John 14:12). He encouraged and corrected with clarity and love (see John 21:15–17)" (handbook)

"Teaching in the Savior’s way is more than talking; it includes listening and asking questions the way He did (see Matthew 16:13–17).(handbook)

"Effective teachers are also diligent learners. Make the study of God’s word a high priority in your life. Understand that learning is a lifelong process. Seek to learn from others, including those you teach. (See Doctrine and Covenants 88:122.)" (Handbook)

Luke 18:35-43

35 ¶ And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging:

36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.

38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him,

41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.

42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee.

43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Luke 17:12-19

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

Matthew 9:18-31

18 ¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

20 ¶ And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

27 ¶ And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

“if we press too much, too often, and too hard for enlarged personal roles, we could actually shrink the field of action needed by others. Furthermore, our trusting contentment lets the Holy Ghost have precious time in which to do His special work.” (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Content with the Things Allotted unto Us, April 2000 General Conference)

Saturday Evening Session of Stake Conference

First Speaker 

“Oh, how we all need the healing the Redeemer can provide. Mine is a message of hope for you who yearn for relief from heavy burdens that have come through no conscious act of your own while you have lived a worthy life. It is based on principles embodied in the teachings of the Savior. Your challenge may be a serious physical disability, a struggle with lingering illness, or a daily wrestle with a life-threatening disease. It may have roots in the death of a loved one, the anguish caused by another bound by sin, or come from abuse in any of its evil forms. Whatever the cause, I testify that lasting relief is available on conditions established by the Lord.” (Elder Richard G. Scott, “To Be Healed”, April 1994 General Conference)

Next Speaker 

Life Help section of the church's website. Under the Library menu. 

They showed us the video Exercise Faith in Christ with Elder Bednar
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2014-06-2100-exercise-faith-in-christ?lang=eng&alang=eng&collectionId=f0323aa5fc3ffb224c8a76282301a393c5e5a5d8

Ether 12:12

12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.

Next Speaker 

Self reliance manuals can be found in the gospel library app. 

Next Speaker 

Dnc 19:23

23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

Next Speaker 

“Your faith will grow not by chance, but by choice.” (Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice”, October 2015 General Conference)

“Faith in God includes faith in His purposes as well as in His timing. We cannot fully accept Him while rejecting His schedule” (Neal A. Maxwell, That Ye May Believe [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1992], 84).

When bad things happen around us, we can still choose how we respond. 

Dnc 6:36-37

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Next Speaker 

The speaker referenced Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s byu devotional talk,”The First Commandment First” from 22 March 2022.

How do we put God first?

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 8 January 2023

Sacrament Service - Testimonies

Romans 8:17

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Elders Quorum 

Conference talks for this lesson:  His Yoke Is Easy and His Burden Is Light By Sister J. Anette Dennis and Be Perfected in Him By Elder Paul V. Johnson 

Matthew 11:28-30

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

If only one yoked animal pulls and the other does not, no work gets done.

Humans are very adept at sabotaging their own lives.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 1 January 2023

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

The speaker said that the book, “Jesus the Christ”, is in the Gospel Library app.  You can also have the app read it to you.

Some families that are empty nesters do Come Follow Me with their grown children over Zoom.

Next Speaker

Psalm 46:10-11

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Learn to pause and see God’s hand in things.

“My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

“So I ask each of you, how firm is your foundation? And what reinforcements to your testimony and understanding of the gospel are needed?” (President Russell M Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation”, October 2021 General Conference)

Sunday School

Taking responsibility for our own learning

Dnc 88:122

122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.

Dnc 88:118

118 And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Moroni 10:4

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“Begin by answering the primary questions. There are primary questions and there are secondary questions. Answer the primary questions first. Not all questions are equal and not all truths are equal. The primary questions are the most important. Everything else is subordinate.”

…

“Answers to the primary questions do not come by answering the secondary questions. There are answers to the secondary questions, but you cannot prove a positive by disproving every negative. You cannot prove the Church is true by disproving every claim made against it. That will never work. It is a flawed strategy. Ultimately there has to be affirmative proof, and with the things of God, affirmative proof finally and surely comes by revelation through the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost. (Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge , “Stand Forever”, BYU devotional on January 22, 2019)

God loves effort. 

“At the far end of the spectrum we come to an entire universe of distractions. Never has there been more information, misinformation, and disinformation; more goods, gadgets, and games; and more options, places to go, and things to see and do to occupy time and attention away from what is most important. And all of that and much more is disseminated instantaneously throughout the world by electronic media. This is a day of deception.” (Elder Lawrence E Corbidge, “Stand Forever”, BYU Devotional January 22, 2019)

The natural man is easier in the beginning, but makes life harder in the long run. The gospel is hard in the beginning, but makes life easier in the long run.