Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 20 Aug 2017

Stake Priesthood Meeting 

First Speaker

A young man who is receiving the Melchizedek priesthood spoke of how the Aaronic Priesthood prepared him for the Melchizedek priesthood. 

Next Speaker

A member of the stake presidency spoke. 

He referenced Elder Richard G Scott’s talk from the Worldwide Leadership Meeting.

“There are five Church auxiliary organizations: Young Men, Sunday School, Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. This message is directed to you of the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary.

“What is the role of an auxiliary organization? In answering that question, it is essential to remember that “the family is ordained of God” and is ‘central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.’

“The fundamental role and purpose of the auxiliary organizations of the Church is to help ‘plant and make grow … a testimony of [Jesus] Christ and of the Gospel.’ Auxiliaries can also teach of the divine mission of Joseph Smith and of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. This effort will aid families and individuals “to order their lives in accordance with the laws and principles of the restored Gospel” under the direction of the holy priesthood.

“The family and the home are the foundation of the righteous life.”

“The mission of the Church to its members is to make available the principles, programs, and priesthood by which they can prepare themselves for exaltation. Our success, individually and as a Church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home. Only as we see clearly the responsibilities of each individual and the role of families and homes can we properly understand that priesthood quorums and auxiliary organizations, even wards and stakes, exist primarily to help members live the gospel in the home. Then we can understand that people are more important than programs, and that Church programs should always support and never detract from gospel-centered family activities. …

“Our commitment to home-centered gospel living should become the clear message of every priesthood and auxiliary program, reducing, where necessary, some of the optional activities that may detract from proper focus on the family and the home.” (President Spencer W Kimball, “Living the Gospel in the Home,” Ensign, May 1978, 101.)

We are in the people business in the Church. 

Matthew 7:7

7 ¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

If you do the seeking for the things of the Lord, you will find what you seek. 

Don't go into the dense dark forest without your flashlight.  The Holy Ghost is our flashlight. 

Next Speaker
The other member of the stake presidency spoke. 

DnC 138

57 I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

Traditions can get in the way of the doctrine of Christ. 

“Brethren are ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric or when otherwise determined by the stake president.”(Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders (1998), 162.)

Dnc 107:4-8,18-19

4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

5 All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood.

6 But there are two divisions or grand heads—one is the Melchizedek Priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood.

7 The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchizedek.

8 The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things.

18 The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—

19 To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.

Dnc 84

33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

Exhalation is the ultimate renewal of our bodies. 

132:19-20

19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

“Every elder in the Church holds as much priesthood as the President of the Church. No Apostle can or will rise higher in eternity than the faithful elder who lives the fullness of the gospel law.” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “Only an Elder”, Jan 2003 New Era)

“There is no office growing out of this Priesthood that is or can be greater than the Priesthood itself. It is from the Priesthood that the office derives its authority and power. No office gives authority to the Priesthood. No office adds to the power of the Priesthood. But all offices in the Church derive their power, their virtue, their authority, from the Priesthood. If our brethren would get this principle thoroughly established in their minds, there would be less misunderstanding in relation to the functions of government in the Church than there is. Today the question is, which is the greater -- the high priest or the seventy -- the seventy or the high priest? I tell you that neither of them is the greater, and neither of them is the lesser. Their callings lie in different directions, but they are from the same Priesthood.” (Joseph F Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p.148)

“The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. When someone first receives the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood, it is conferred upon them by the laying on of hands. After the priesthood has been conferred upon him, he is ordained to an office in the priesthood. All offices derive their authority from the priesthood.” (Boyd K Packer, "What Every Elder Should Know--and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government," Ensign, Feb. 1993, p. 8)

“Brethren, stand close together and lift where you stand.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Lift Where You Stand”, October 2008 General Conference)

Next Speaker

The stake president spoke to us. 

The process of building faith. 

“Every Latter-day Saint has the responsibility to know for himself or herself with a certainty beyond doubt that Jesus is the resurrected, living Son of the living God” (President Gordon B Hinckly, “'Fear Not to Do Good,'” Ensign, May 1983, 80).

“Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not something ethereal, floating loosely in the air. Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, ‘substance … , the evidence of things not seen.’ Faith emits a spiritual light, and that light is discernible. Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it. Your faith is either growing stronger or becoming weaker. Faith is a principle of power, important not only in this life but also in our progression beyond the veil. By the grace of Christ, we will one day be saved through faith on His name. The future of your faith is not by chance, but by choice.” (Elder Neil L. Andersen, “Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice”, October 2015 General Conference)

Your faith is either growing and becoming stronger or becoming weaker. 

We hear truth and receive knowledge. We then have a hope that it is true. That hope causes us to act. If we act, the Holy Ghost witnesses to us. We then find more truth and receive more knowledge. 

Eventually our hope turns to certainty. 

If you see a man on top of a mountain, you know he did not fall there. 

Alma 32:42

42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

Bulletin 

“Loving service and devotion to the needs of others was perhaps the chief characteristic of the Savior’s mortal life. It will always be a mark of the Master's disciples.” - Jeffery R Holland

Sacrament Service

First Speaker

A missionary that recently returned from a mission to Brazil spoke.

The central feature of pride is enmity.

We are prideful when we contend with others.

Mosiah 3

19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

“We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are.” (President Ezra Taft Benson, “Beware of Pride”, April 1989 General Conference)

Next Speaker

Moses 1

7 And now, behold, this one thing I show unto thee, Moses, my son, for thou art in the world, and now I show it unto thee.

How do we live up to our divine potential?

“Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light.” (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Things That Matter Most”, October 2010 General Conference)

“It is hard to know with certainty whether truth is really less important than it has been in the past. But it is clear that because we live in a digital age, in which there is so much information and there are so many different contending views of what is accurate, some people find that new information confounds and confuses rather than clarifies and enlightens. Modernizing the plight of the thirsty Ancient Mariner, who proclaimed, ‘Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink,’ many today lament, ‘Data, data, everywhere, and not a thought to think.’” (KEVIN J WORTHEN, “The Pursuit of All Truth”, 10 Jan 2017 BYU Speech)

“Some things are simply true. The arbiter of truth is God—not your favorite social media news feed, not Google, and certainly not those who are disaffected from the Church.” (RUSSELL M. NELSON, “The Love and Laws of God”, 17 Sep 2019 BYU Speech)

Cling to the iron rod, not casually hold”

Sunday School 

The teacher asked a former stake president, who is a sealer in the Bountiful temple, to talk to us a little about the temple.  The teacher then proceeded with the lesson.

Sealers can't take any notes into the sealing room. 

“In God’s eternal plan, salvation is an individual matter; exaltation is a family matter.“ (Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Salvation and Exaltation”, April 2008 General Conference)

The altar is sacred. 

Dnc 132

“There is nothing that has come or will come into your family as important as the sealing blessings.” (President Henry B. Eyring, “Families under Covenant”, April 2012 General Conference)

“We also increase the Savior’s power in our lives when we make sacred covenants and keep those covenants with precision.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives”, April 2017 General Conference)

Damnation is the opposite of salvation. 

One of the tasks of the holy ghost is to seal things. 

“Effective family leadership, brethren, requires both quantity and quality time. The teaching and governance of the family must not be left to your wife alone, to society, to school, or even the Church.” (President Howard W Hunter, “Being a Righteous Husband and Father”, October 1994 General Conference)

“The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.”

“The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father.” (President Boyd K. Packer, “‘The Shield of Faith’”, April 1995 General Conference)

When we are first sealed we do not grasp it all. We need to return to the temple again and again to understand the sealing ordinance. 

Elders Quorum 

My Lesson

Gordon B Hinckley Chapter 16 - The Power of the Book of Mormon

Section 1 in the manual states:

“Hand in hand with the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ.”

That is, arguably, the most important point of the Book of Mormon is that it testifies of Christ.  That it reinforces the testimony of the Bible and gives clarity to things in the Bible that, by necessity, were obfuscated to prevent sacred things from being trampled.

Obfuscate - To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.

The most sacred things of the Bible are revealed by the spirit through study and prayer, or by prophets, or by the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

Comments, testimonies, and disagreements about this?

Let’s go around and read section 3

“A testimony of the Book of Mormon leads to a conviction of other truths.

“Each time we encourage others to read the Book of Mormon, we do them a favor. If they read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, they will know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the book is true.

“From that knowledge there will flow a conviction of the truth of many other things. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then God lives. Testimony upon testimony runs through its pages of the solemn fact that our Father is real, that he is personal, that he loves his children and seeks their happiness.

“If the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, born of Mary, “a virgin, most beautiful … above all other virgins” (see 1 Ne. 11:13–21), for the book so testifies in a description unexcelled in all literature.

“If the Book of Mormon is true, then Jesus is verily our Redeemer, the Savior of the world. …

“If the Book of Mormon is true, Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, for he was the instrument in the hands of God in bringing to light this testimony of the divinity of our Lord.

“If this book is true, [the President of the Church] is a prophet, for he holds all of the keys, gifts, powers, and authority held by the Prophet Joseph, who brought forth this latter-day work.

“If the Book of Mormon is true, the Church is true, for the same authority under which this sacred record came to light is present and manifest among us today. It is a restoration of the Church set up by the Savior in Palestine. It is a restoration of the Church set up by the Savior when he visited [the American] continent as set forth in this sacred record.

“If the Book of Mormon is true, the Bible is true. The Bible is the Testament of the Old World; the Book of Mormon is the Testament of the New. One is the record of Judah; the other is the record of Joseph, and they have come together in the hand of the Lord in fulfillment of the prophecy of Ezekiel. (See Ezek. 37:19.) Together they declare the Kingship of the Redeemer of the world and the reality of his kingdom.”

Does the Book of Mormon really solidify these other things?

The heading to section 4 states:

“The Book of Mormon offers teachings that can help us find solutions to the problems of today’s society.”

Many of the things that our society struggles are detailed in the Book of Mormon, either in prophecies of our day or the actions of their society that are similar to our own.

What are some problems of today that we see played out or prophesied about in the Book of Mormon?

Page 229, Last paragraph before Section 5

“No other written testament so clearly illustrates the fact that when men and nations walk in the fear of God and in obedience to his commandments, they prosper and grow, but when they disregard

him and his word, there comes a decay which, unless arrested by righteousness, leads to impotence and death. The Book of Mormon is an affirmation of the Old Testament proverb, ‘Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.’ (Prov. 14:34.)”

Page 233, Last Paragraph Before “Suggestions for Study and Teaching”

“Brothers and sisters, without reservation I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you previously have read it, there will come into your hearts an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”

Does anyone have any experiences with this promise?

While I was preparing this lesson I was prompted to write down my testimony or some things.  I’ll read you what I wrote, so I make sure I get it all.

My Testimony

{

I don’t know if the sources that talk of Joseph Smith’s weaknesses are accurate or not.  I also do not know the details of life 200 years ago.  What I do know are the things that I have witnessed in my life that confirm the truthfulness of this work and of the Book of Mormon.  What I do know is the fruits of the things that happened 200 years ago as I see them in the Church today and in my life.

Just like a detailed science experiment to solve a complex problem, I have gathered data for a long time that cannot be communicated in a sentence or a paragraph.  Nor would many understand it unless they have observed it using the same techniques I have.

I have come far enough.  I have seen enough.  I have heard enough.  I have felt enough and I have witnessed enough to know that It is true.  Many things over the years that I did not understand in the Church, over time become clear.  Thus, I have enough experience to say, that the things I do not understand are issues with me.  Not with the Church. Not with the Book of Mormon.  Not with Joseph Smith.  Those remaining things that I do not understand, over time, will become clear too, when the Lord sees that I am ready.

Generally we do not learn multiplication without an understanding of addition.  We do not learn algebra without an understanding of addition and multiplication.  Why would we expect it to be any different with understanding life and God?

He teaches us some and lets us work with that for a time.  If we study and work, he eventually gives us more and allows us to work with that for a time.

}

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 13 Aug 2017

Bulletin

John 13:34

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Sacrament Service 

The stake president released his counselor, who had passed away.  It was very touching to witness.

He also commented on the last stake conference, due to Elder Hamula, who presided there, being excommunicated this week.  He didn’t mention Elder Hamula or the excommunication.  What he did say was that every true spiritual impression we had at stake conference was still true.

Next Speaker

Tithing is a preparatory law.  Preparatory for consecration.  Tithing is the law given to new members of the Church.  As we mature in our discipleship we learn, little by little, how to give all our time, talents, and more to the Lord.

The Lord taught us a little bit about consecration in his encounter with the rich young man when he asked his to sell everything he had and follow him.

Next Speaker

Malachi 3

10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

DnC 64

23 Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.

There are things we can’t be perfect at right away, but we can perfectly pay tithing.

“But if the Conference want us to build a temple of pure gold, they will have to put into the tithing stores something besides old half-dead stinking cows, and old broken-kneed horses;” (President Brigham Young, "Management of the Canyons--Paying Debts--Keeping Stores--Material for the Temple." Journal of Discourses. Volume 1. October 9, 1852: pg. 209-220.)

Do we give our best with our tithing or do we give with the attitude of giving a half dead, stinking cow?

Matthew 6

Some may say that the end of this chapter justifies slothfulness or idleness.  But we get a glimpse of the meaning in verse 33.  Seek first the kingdom of God.  Yes, you have to work for a living, but is your career first or is the Kingdom of God first.  As you work and make money, are the things you can buy with that money most important.or is what you can do with that money for the kingdom of God most important.  Currently, we are stewards of our own consecrated time and funds.  How are we managing our storehouse?

“Unique to our doctrine is our knowledge that God continues to call prophet/apostles to receive revelation and teach how to apply His commandments in the circumstances of our day.” (Elder Dallin H Oaks, 9 June 2016, St. Johns College at the University of Oxford)

The speaker said that there are now 155 temples.  When he was a kid, there were 12 and the kids had to memorize them.

2nd hour - Teaching in the Savior's Way - junior primary 

Using music in our teaching.

Using stories in our teaching.  Personal, true stories, or parables. 

3rd hour Teaching in the Savior's Way - Everyone else 

Respond to difficult questions with faith. 

How do you answer controversial issues? Give them opportunity to feel the spirit. Help them identify what they already know to be true. What do they already have a testimony of? 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 6 Aug 2017

Bulletin 

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) 

Sacrament Service 

Sunday School 

How do we live a celestial life? We must live the celestial laws. The laws of sacrifice, the gospel, chastity and consecration. 

Several that went on their mission shortly after arriving at Nauvoo could barely walk. One had to be carried onto the wagon and he left on his mission. 

The Lord is going to build the kingdom of God on Earth with the weak things of this world. He started with a farm boy and other farmers. Many of them were uneducated. 

Elders Quorum 

Lesson was pulled from Elder Oaks October 2007 talk, “Good, Better, Best”.

We have a long list of things that we should be doing in the Church. How do we not get overwhelmed by that?  Sometimes we over complicate what we are responsible for.  We don't have to do all things we are responsible for all at the same time. 

“In general conference last year, Elder M. Russell Ballard warned against the deterioration of family relationships that can result when we spend excess time on ineffective activities that yield little spiritual sustenance. He cautioned against complicating our Church service ‘with needless frills and embellishments that occupy too much time, cost too much money, and sap too much energy. … The instruction to magnify our callings is not a command to embellish and complicate them. To innovate does not necessarily mean to expand; very often it means to simplify. … What is most important in our Church responsibilities,’ he said, ‘is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people—ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did—have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed.’” -

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 30 Jul 2017

Bulletin

“Stay humble; stay prayerful…And try to put your lives in order so when you are on your knees alone at night without anybody watching and you lift your voice to Heavenly Father, you can feel His direction.” (Elder Neil L. Andersen, Arizona State University, January 26, 2016)

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

A young man spoke on visiting Cove Fort.

Next Speaker

A new couple in the ward spoke.

“Diversity and unity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” in Gospel Topics on the Church’s website.

“We also read that “his blood atoneth for the sins of those … who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned” (Mosiah 3:11). Similarly, ‘the blood of Christ atoneth for [little children]’ (Mosiah 3:16). These teachings that the resurrecting and cleansing power of the Atonement is for all contradict the assertion that the grace of God saves only a chosen few. His grace is for all. These teachings of the Book of Mormon expand our vision and enlarge our understanding of the all-encompassing love of God and the universal effect of His Atonement for all men everywhere.”

…

One of the things I learned in this most recent reading of the Book of Mormon was how much God loves all of His children in every nation.

…

“Truly, the gospel is for all men everywhere—every nation, every people. All are invited.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “All Men Everywhere”, April 2006 General Conference)

Mosiah 4

7 I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even unto the end of the world.

She spoke of visiting the Swahili branch in Salt Lake City.

Next Speaker

He talked about that he served his mission in the Dominican Republic.

“‘He inviteth them all.’ We understand ‘male and female.’ We also understand “black and white,’ which means all races. But what about “bond and free’? Bond—the opposite of free—means more than slavery. It means being bound (in bondage) to anything from which it is difficult to escape. Bond includes those whose freedom is restricted by physical or emotional afflictions. Bond includes those who are addicted to some substance or practice. Bond surely refers to those who are imprisoned by sin—’encircled about’ by what another teaching of the Book of Mormon calls ‘the chains of hell’ (Alma 5:7). Bond includes those who are held down by traditions or customs contrary to the commandments of God (see Matt. 15:3–6; Mark 7:7–9; D&C 74:4–7; D&C 93:39). Finally, bond also includes those who are confined within the boundaries of other erroneous ideas. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we preach to ‘liberate the captives.’Our Savior ‘inviteth … all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; … he denieth none that come unto him … ; and all are alike unto God.’” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “All Men Everywhere”, April 2006)

Official Declaration 2 - Heading

Sunday School 

Adversity

The teacher referenced P255 in Revelations in Context book.

We have adversity to polish us.   Rocks that go through a tumbler or a river have intense knocking around, with many things banging into them, including other rocks. 

The teacher referenced On the Lord’s Side: Lessons from Zion’s Camp By Elder David A. Bednar from the July 2017 Ensign.

Adversity does not always come as a punishment.  Whether for punishment or not it always comes because God loves us and knows what we need to be happy in the long term. 

If we are given struggles are we willing to accept them and stay with God or will face them with anger and bitterness without God. 

Joint Priesthood / RS Meeting 

The theme for the meeting was “Behold the wounds in Jesus’ hands… Built mansions for us all. “  It looks like this is taken from the song , Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands“

One criticism is that Mormons believe they can work their way to heaven. We definitely believe that we must work. We also believe that our effort is necessary and miniscule and we need Christ. 

Will what we do ever earn us salvation?  No.  Can what we do or not do keep us from salvation?  Yes. 

Moroni lived in such a terrible time of war. For him to give a message of hope in such circumstances, that is huge and should be an encouragement for us to be positive and hopeful when our trials are way less than Moroni. 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 23 Jul 2017

Bulletin 

“We need to walk together as today's pioneers, living Christlike lives, supporting good causes in our communities, and strengthening our families and homes “ - Elder M Russell Ballard 

Sacrament Service 

First Speakers

One of the priests reported on AP Camp.  One of the YW reported on Daughters of Faith Camp.

Next Speaker

A new guy in the ward talked on faith.

DnC 78

17 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;

18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

“Trust in the Lord. Live to have His Spirit, and let Him lead and guide you. But when uncertainty strikes—and it will—take comfort in the fact that the Lord trusts you and is giving you an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more like Him.

“One of the most important principles of the restored gospel is that we are not slaves of circumstance. We are free to choose—with all of the glorious responsibilities that come with that knowledge and power.

“So examine your desires, replace fear with faith, and glory in the mystery of your future. The future may be uncertain, but we can be sure that our efforts to face it with faith will be for our ‘profit and learning’ (2 Nephi 2:14).” (Megan Armknecht, “How to Face Uncertainty with Faith”, Ensign June 2017)

Next Speaker

A sister spoke about Corrianton and Zeezrom.

We have to receive the Holy Ghost.  We are given the Gift of the Holy Ghost, but we have to receive it.

The Holy Ghost is a guide, not a chauffeur.

The Holy Ghost is a comforter and also a bearer of truth.  As a bearer of truth, He sometimes has to chastise us.

Sunday School 

The teacher talked about the saint’s abuse they received in Missouri. 

Dnc 101
7 They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.

There were  some women and children in Zion’s camp. 

Elders Quorum 

 

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 16 Jul 2017

Bulletin 

Alma 37:37

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

One of the young men reported on scout camp from last week.

Next Speaker

A young man that is leaving for a mission to Madrid, Spain.

He spoke of Christopher Columbus coming from Spain to America.  He talked of how Columbus prepared the way for the restoration.

Next Speaker

A stake high councilman spoke to us.

Ether 1

42 And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them down into the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee, and I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth.

1 Nephi 13

16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.

Sunday School 

Matthew 28:19

19 ¶ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Dnc 88:81

81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.

Elders Quorum 

My Lesson 

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 14 Losing Ourselves in the Service of Others

The First 4 Paragraphs under “From the Life of Gordon B Hinckley” - P201

“Young Elder Gordon B. Hinckley struggled through his first few weeks as a full-time missionary in England. He was sick when he arrived, and his attempts to preach the gospel were repeatedly rejected. During that difficult time, he was blessed with what he later called his ‘day of decision’—an experience that influenced his service for the rest of his life.

“ ‘I was discouraged,’ he recalled. ‘I wrote a letter home to my good father and said that I felt I was wasting my time and his money. He was my father and my stake president, and he was a wise and inspired man. He wrote a very short letter to me which said, “Dear Gordon, I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion: forget yourself and go to work.” Earlier that morning in our scripture class my companion and I had read these words of the Lord: “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” (Mark 8:35.)

“ ‘Those words of the Master, followed by my father’s letter with his counsel to forget myself and go to work, went into my very being. With my father’s letter in hand, I went into our bedroom in the house at 15 Wadham Road, where we lived, and got on my knees and made a pledge with the Lord. I covenanted that I would try to forget myself and lose myself in His service.

“ ‘That July day in 1933 was my day of decision. A new light came into my life and a new joy into my heart.’ ”

This story reminds me of something I often say, “Never pass up an opportunity to get over yourself”.

What has been your experience with forgetting yourself and getting to work?  Or the opposite, getting stuck on yourself and not getting to work? 

P202 - Last Paragraph before Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley

“I wish to be up and doing,” President Hinckley said. “I wish to face each day with resolution and purpose. I wish to use every waking hour to give encouragement, to bless those whose burdens are heavy, to build faith and strength of testimony.”

How does this compare to our goals when we face each day?  Do we desire to face each day with resolution and purpose?  Some days my resolution and purpose is just to make myself zombie walk it across the room in the morning.

How do we get to the point of desiring to be men of resolution and purpose so strongly?  To desire to be a man of strong character and set aside pride and selfishness?

P203, Top of the Page all the way to the start of section 2 on page 204

“The Lord has declared in modern revelation, ‘If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you.’ (D&C 88:67.)

“As we look with love and gratitude to God, as we serve him with an eye single to his glory, there goes from us the darkness of sin, the darkness of selfishness, the darkness of pride. There will come an increased love for our Eternal Father and for his Beloved Son, our Savior and our Redeemer. There will come a greater sense of service toward our fellowmen, less of thinking of self and more of reaching out to others.

“This principle of love is the basic essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ.5

“If we would claim to worship and follow the Master, must we not strive to emulate his life of service? None of us may rightly say that his life is his own. Our lives are gifts of God. We come into the world not of our own volition. We leave not according to our wish. Our days are numbered not by ourselves, but according to the will of God.

“So many of us use our lives as if they were entirely our own. Ours is the choice to waste them if we wish. But that becomes a betrayal of a great and sacred trust. As the Master made so abundantly clear, ‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.’ (Mark 8:35.)6

“My beloved brethren and sisters, the challenge is great. The opportunities are all about us. God would have us do His work—and do it with energy and cheerfulness. That work, as He has defined it, is to ‘succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.’ (D&C 81:5.)

“It is to minister to those in need. It is to comfort the bereaved.  It is to visit the widow and the fatherless in their affliction. It is to feed the needy, to clothe the naked, to shelter those who have not a roof over their heads. It is to do as the Master did, who ‘went about doing good.’ (Acts 10:38.)7

“My message to you today . . . is that you resolve to dedicate a part of your time, as you map out your life’s work, to those in distress and need, with no consideration of recompense. Your skills are needed, whatever they may be. Your helping hands will lift someone out of the mire of distress. Your steady voice will give encouragement to some who might otherwise simply give up. Your skills can change the lives, in a remarkable and wonderful way, of those who walk in need. If not now, when? If not you, who?8

“May the real meaning of the gospel distill into our hearts that we may realize that our lives, given us by God our Father, are to be used in the service of others.

“If we will give such service, our days will be filled with joy and gladness. More important, they will be consecrated to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to the blessing of all whose lives we touch.9”

Why do we call callings opportunities? Most of us have consecrated our time and talents and everything the Lord has given us to the work. A calling is the Lord choosing how our consecrated resources will be used.  Have you ever thought about that?

They say that service helps us overcome self-pity, selfishness, and loneliness.  Or on a day like today, for me, grief and sadness.  Do you have any experience with serving and it pulling you out of dark feeling?

Church Services This Week at Oak Ridge Ward Layton North Stake Layton Utah 9 Jul 2017

Bulletin

Mark 16

14 ¶ Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

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

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Sacrament Service 

First Speaker

A missionary  leaving this week to the Mexico MTC in preparation to serve in Tallahassee, Florida spoke to us.

DnC 4

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

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.

3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

Next Speaker

Ether 12:4

4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

Sunday School 

Teaching in the Savior's Way 

“Doctrine does not change - - rather, it changes us, and it changes those we teach.“ - from the manual in the chapter titled “Teach the Doctrine”.

Be prepared to redirect opinion with doctrine when you ask what the group thinks. 

We want to encourage people to explore what the spirit is telling them, but we have to reinforce truth with authoritative sources. 

Make sure your topic references what it has to do with Christ. 

You are not just teaching a topic. You are teaching the doctrine of Jesus Christ. 

Elders Quorum 

Teachings of Presidents of the Church:  Gordon B Hinckley, Chapter 13 - Peace and Contentment through Temporal Self-Reliance

“I believe in the gospel of work. There is no substitute under the heavens for productive labor. It is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements.

“A little play and a little loafing are good. But it is work that spells the difference in the life of a man or woman. It is work that provides the food we eat, the clothing we wear, the homes in which we live. We cannot deny the need for work with skilled hands and educated minds if we are to grow and prosper individually and collectively.

“I have discovered that life is not a series of great heroic acts. Life at its best is a matter of consistent goodness and decency, doing without fanfare that which needed to be done when it needed to be done. I have observed that it is not the geniuses that make the difference in this world. I have observed that the work of the world is done largely by men and women of ordinary talent who have worked in an extraordinary manner.” - from the manual

Callings are part of the law of consecration. 

The world's view is to have what you want now and put it on credit. The Lord's way is to be free of the bondage of debt.