Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah July 30, 2023

Sacrament Service

First Speaker

The lepers would not have experienced the miracle of being healed by Christ, if they didn’t have leprosy.

Ether 12

6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

Next Speaker

Acts 17:11

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

“Your efforts may seem small compared to the loud voices your children hear in the world. At times it may feel that you’re not accomplishing much. But remember that “by small means the Lord can bring about great things.” One home evening, one gospel conversation, or one good example may not change your child’s life in a moment, any more than one drop of rain causes a plant immediately to grow. But the consistency of small and simple things, day after day, nourishes your children much better than an occasional flood.” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents”, April 2023 General Conference)

Next Speaker

Acts 19:1-7

1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

7 And all the men were about twelve.

“the book Acts of the Apostles could also be called the Acts of Jesus Christ through His Apostles.” (Come Follow Me Manual)

Moroni 10:18

18 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.

5th Sunday Lesson

We had the youth sit up front and faced the adults.  The bishop asked some questions about spiritual things and how the youth make it work for them.  Several adults asked questions as well.

"Now, brothers and sisters, there was a time when the walls of our homes provided all the defense we needed against outside intrusions and influences. We locked the doors, closed the windows; we shut the gates; and we felt safe, secure, and protected in our own little refuge from the outside world.

Those days are now gone. The physical walls, doors, fences, and gates of our homes cannot prevent unseen invasion from the Internet, the Wi-Fi, the mobile phones, the networks. They can penetrate our homes with just a few clicks and keystrokes.

Fortunately, the Lord has provided a way to counter the invasion of negative technology that can distract us from spending quality time with each other. He has done this by providing the council system to strengthen, protect, safeguard, and nurture our most precious relationships.” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “Family Councils”, April 2016 General Conference)

Prayer elevates when names are named in prayers. 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah July 23, 2023

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

2 Nephi 25

21 Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand.

22 Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which are written.

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

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.

Helaman 5

6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good.

“You may not see the immediate effects of your efforts. But don’t give up. ‘All things must come to pass in their time,’ the Lord said. ‘Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for [you] are laying the foundation of a great work.’ What work could be greater than helping God’s precious children learn who they really are and build their faith in Jesus Christ, His gospel, and His Church? Jesus Christ will bless and magnify your consistent efforts.” 

...

My dear friends, my dear brothers and sisters, building faith in a child is somewhat like helping a flower grow. You cannot tug on the stem to make it taller. You cannot pry open the bud to get it to blossom sooner. And you cannot neglect the flower and expect it to grow or flourish spontaneously.

What you can and must do for the rising generation is provide rich, nourishing soil with access to flowing heavenly water. Remove weeds and anything that would block heavenly sunlight. Create the best possible conditions for growth. Patiently allow the rising generation to make inspired choices, and let God work His miracle. The result will be more beautiful and more stunning and more joyful than anything you could accomplish just by yourself.

(Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Parents”, April 2023 General Conference)

Next Speaker

How can we be pioneers to those that come after us?

Mosiah 26:1-4

1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.

2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.

Alma 36-42 - Alma’s counsel to his sons.

Elders Quorum 

Self reliance classes were announced.

“Brothers and sisters, as we hold up like a banner the proclamation to the world on the family and as we live and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will fulfill the measure of our creation here on earth. We will find peace and happiness here and in the world to come. We should not need a hurricane or other crisis to remind us of what matters most. The gospel and the Lord’s plan of happiness and salvation should remind us. What matters most is what lasts longest, and our families are for eternity.” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest”, October 2005 General Conference)

Alma 37:6-7

6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah July 16, 2023

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

“Early in my training as a cardiologist, I learned to use a stethoscope to listen to the human heart. My mentors taught me to eliminate distractions around me and ensure the room was quiet. They taught me to practice and tune my ears to what I was trying to hear.

“In a similar manner, we must practice and tune our ears to hear the Holy Ghost. It doesn’t just happen. Even as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, I was not issued a hardwire to heaven. It still requires individual hard work for me to receive inspiration.

“Having been retired from my career as a cardiologist for many years, I am not as good today at using a stethoscope as when I was a practicing doctor. This is because I don’t use that skill every day anymore. If we get casual about personal acts of private devotion or daily repentance, if we get casual about our scripture study, if we get casual about not wanting to ask God questions, we lose our ability to hear the Holy Ghost.” (Elder Dale G. Renlund, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost”, Inspiration action of the Church’s website)

“I suppose the guide could give you long lists of clothes you shouldn’t wear, words you shouldn’t say, and movies you shouldn’t watch. But would that really be helpful in a global church? Would such an approach truly prepare you for a lifetime of Christlike living?” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth”, October 2022 General Conference)

“I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 284.)

Mosiah 4

29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.

30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

“Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ,3 who stands with open arms,4 hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better”, April 2019 General Conference)

Repent daily.

Mosiah 26

30 Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.

“Is it wrong to have questions about the Church? How can I find answers? Having questions is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. In fact, asking questions can help build faith. The Restoration of the gospel started when 14-year-old Joseph Smith asked questions with faith. Seek answers in the scriptures, in the words of God’s prophets, from your leaders and faithful parents, and from God Himself. If answers don’t come right away, trust that you will learn line upon line. Keep living by what you already know, and keep seeking for truth.” (“For the Strength of Youth”, “Truth Will Make You Free”)

Next Speaker

“I know our Heavenly Father’s love for you is real and unending. It is most powerfully manifest through the grace of His Son, Jesus Christ. I bless you that the love of God will envelop you as you love and strive to serve Him. I bless you that you will feel His love and that it will become the most powerful influence in your life. I know and can assure you that your Heavenly Father lives, as does His Son, our resurrected Lord, and as does His messenger of grace, the Holy Spirit. I know it and pray that you will fully come to know it.” (Elder D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON, “The First Commandment First”, BYU Speech March 22, 2022)

“Now may I offer an important note of caution. An erroneous assumption could be made that if a little of something is good, a lot must be better. Not so! Overdoses of needed medication can be toxic. Boundless mercy could oppose justice. So tolerance, without limit, could lead to spineless permissiveness.” (Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Teach Us Tolerance and Love”, April 1994 General Conference)

2 Nephi 9

28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

Sunday School 

Acts 6-9

1 Nephi 16

2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center.

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah July 9, 2023

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

DnC 42

61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.

Do we focus too much on other things to pay attention to what we say in our prayer?

Prayer can be more meaningful by being thankful.

Next Speaker

Acts 1

6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

“When leaders pray to know the will of the Lord before extending a call to serve, they receive a feeling of assurance that confirms the correct action to be taken. It is both essential and gratifying to obtain a personal witness through prayer that we have been called of God. Through His servants, the Lord invites us to participate in His work so that we can come to know and love Him more fully (see Mosiah 5:13).” (Elder Kenneth Johnson, “Called and Set Apart to Serve”, June 2010 Liahona)

“The setting apart is an established practice in the Church and men and women are ‘set apart’ to special responsibility, in ecclesiastical, quorum, and auxiliary positions. …

“To some folk the setting apart seems a perfunctory act while others anticipate it eagerly, absorb every word of it, and let their lives be lifted thereby.

“The setting apart may be taken literally; it is a setting apart from sin, apart from the carnal; apart from everything which is crude, low, vicious, cheap, or vulgar; set apart from the world to a higher [plane] of thought and activity. The blessing is conditional upon faithful performance.” (President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 478.)

Joel 2 - Joel speaks of the Gift of the Holy Ghost in the last days.

28 ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

Next Speaker

“Seek and expect miracles.

“Moroni assured us that ‘God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.’ Every book of scripture demonstrates how willing the Lord is to intervene in the lives of those who believe in Him. He parted the Red Sea for Moses, helped Nephi retrieve the brass plates, and restored His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Each of these miracles took time and may not have been exactly what those individuals originally requested from the Lord.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum”, April 2022 General Conference)

Acts 3

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

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.

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:

We can receive miracles by bringing miracles to the lives of others.

Acts 3

11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.

12 ¶ And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?

Elders Quorum 

Jesus Christ Is Relief By President Camille N. Johnson   

Have I Truly Been Forgiven? By Elder K. Brett Nattress

"weeping and gnashing" 

Alma 36:12-15

Alma 36:16-20

There are some rocks that we can't remove from our pack, but if we hook our pack onto the Savior's yoke and we both carry it it is so much easier. 

Christ's yoke is his grace, His atonement. It is there for free, but you have to put it on and attach our burdens and walk. If we don't keep the yoke on or we don't keep walking, we will not get where we are going. Doesn't matter if the grace is free. 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah July 2, 2023

Sacrament Service 

Testimonies

1 Nephi 1:20

20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

DnC 121

34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson

Spend time studying more about what you know in the Church than about hobby topics.

The atonement of Christ is the answer to all the unfairness of life. 

Take time for the Lord everyday. 

Sunday School 

Christ knows us personally, not just generally. 

Through current Prophets, God is building and expanding on the truths that came before. 

We should have empathy for others that don't believe as we do. Not empathy because we feel sorry for them, but empathy like the atonement.  We need to have empathy to understand.  If we ever find a time that we say, “I don’t understand why someone _____”, then we need to work to understand.  Things like having an addiction or things like not understanding a doctrine or principle of the Church.  That doesn’t mean we go live a lifestyle to understand, but ponder, pray, and study why people do certain things or how they come to certain conclusions.