Sunday School Online
The lesson was based on Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf’s General Conference talk "Come and Belong": https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/54uchtdorf?lang=eng
Where does the responsibility lie for belonging?
Nobody came up and said hello to me. 1. People should’ve welcomed them. 2. The new person needs to also reach out and be welcoming.
Missionary Farewell
She was first called to Fortaleza, Brazil, then Covid hit. She did online MTC. She is now called to Roseville, CA
Mosiah 2:17
17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Words of Mormon 7:7
7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.
Alma 29
8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.
Although this time is a trial, it is still a time to grow our faith.
“Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith. We are also responsible for our lack of faith. The choice is yours.”
...
“I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith, I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith, I have personally witnessed a mountain of pain replaced with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed.” (Bishop Richard C. Edgley, “Faith—the Choice Is Yours”, October 2010 General Conference)
Sunday School Online
Why is hatred and anger a favorite tool of Satan?
What does it accomplish?
What are the opposite tools that God uses?
“The vision of the tree of life shows us how the effects of casualness can lead us away from the covenant path. Consider that the rod of iron and the strait and narrow path, or the covenant path, led directly to the tree of life, where all the blessings provided by our Savior and His Atonement are available to the faithful. Also seen in the vision was a river of water representing the filthiness of the world. The scriptures describe that this river “ran along” the path yet passed only “near” the tree, not to it. The world is laden with distractions that can deceive even the elect, causing them to be casual in living their covenants—thus leading them near the tree, but not to it. If we are not careful in living our covenants with exactness, our casual efforts may eventually lead us into forbidden paths or to join with those who have already entered the great and spacious building. If not careful, we may even drown in the depths of a filthy river.”
...
“Are we careful in our temple worship, and do we carefully and deliberately live the covenants we made both at baptism and in the temple? Are we careful in our appearance and modest in our dress, especially in sacred places and circumstances? Are we careful in how we wear the sacred temple garments? Or do the fashions of the world dictate a more casual attitude?” (Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual”, April 2019 General Conference)
Alma 24:7-19
John 6:66-69
66 ¶ From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
DnC 87:8
8 Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.
“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation...and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival”, October 2016 General Conference)
How have you come to understand this in your life?
What might you say to someone who does not feel joy in the gospel of Christ?
Online Elders Quorum
The lesson was based on "Hear Him" By President Russell M. Nelson.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/45nelson?lang=eng
1 Nephi 22
Ether 12:5-6
5 And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not.
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.
Online Sunday School
We often hear that we will never be tempted beyond what we can resist. But the scripture actually states:
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
He will make a way for us to escape, but we have to take it. He will make it so we can bear it, but we have to reach for his power.
“The Lord is with all power to control our lives, save us pain. prevent all accidents,...even [protect us] from death, if he will. But he will not. ...’If all the sick for whom we pray were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith....”... If we were to close the doors upon sorrow and distress, we might be excluding our greatest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience,
long-suffering, and self-mastery. ...”... I am grateful that even through the priesthood I cannot heal all the sick. I might heal people who should die. I might relieve people of suffering who should suffer. I fear I would frustrate the purposes of God. "Had I limitless power, and yet limited vision and
understanding, I might have saved Abinadi from the flames of fire when he was burned at the stake, and in doing so I might have irreparably damaged him. He died a martyr and went to a martyr's reward—exaltation...“I fear that had I been in Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844, I might have deflected
the bullets that pierced the body of the Prophet [Joseph Smith] and the Patriarch (Hyrum Smith]. I might have saved them from the sufferings and agony, but lost them to the martyr's death and reward. ... "With such uncontrolled power, I surely would have felt to protect Christ from the agony in Gethsemane, the insults, the thorny crown, the indignities in the court, the physical injuries. I would have administered to his wounds and healed them, giving him cooling water instead of vinegar. I might have saved him from suffering and death, and lost to the world his atoning sacrifice. ..."In the
face of apparent tragedy we must put our trust in God, knowing that despite our limited view his purposes will not fail" ( Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [20061. 14-17,20).
Online Elders Quorum
Lesson based on Elder Gerrit W. Gong's April 2020 General Conference talk, “Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter”
Is it true that “people never change”?
Christ’s atonement not only forgives our sins but through it He gives us the strength to overcome our sins, weaknesses, tendencies, heartache, illnesses, the way we were born, the way we were raised…
Do we consider trials, temptations, illnesses, etc. as tools God uses to strengthen or heal us through Christ’s atonement?
“A week following Palm Sunday is Easter Sunday. President Russell M. Nelson teaches that Jesus Christ ‘came to pay a debt He didn’t owe because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay.’ Indeed, through the Atonement of Christ, all God’s children ‘may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.’”
Online Sunday School
Alma 1 - 4
Nehor teaches false doctrine, introduces priestcraft Amalici seeks to become king, he and followers make war and join the Lamanites Alma baptizes thousands of converts in the waters of Sidon...church is hindered, and Alma devotes himself to ministering.
Alma 5 - 6
Alma gives a sermon on being born again in Christ. keeping the the Lord’s commandments, remaining humble and stripped of pride The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and Alma goes to Gideon.
Mosiah 7
Alma's sermon the people of Gideon. Alma discusses the birth of Christ, and his atonement tor all mankind. Faith, repentance, and baptism and keeping commandments required for salvation.
Someone shared this link on children benefiting from knowing about their relatives:
http://shared.web.emory.edu/emory/news/releases/2010/03/children-benefit-if-they-know-about-their-relatives-study-finds.html?fbclid=IwAR1Eedsxg2ndolJqQ9K_AZv01oarbvZKHc3DvYxAXeNT3nbJ53YDmeJsTxo#.Xt0hkeQieEe
2 Timothy 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
"An 'image' is not just an outward visual impression but also a vivid representation, a graphic display, or a total likeness of something. It is a person or thing very much like another, a copy or counterpart. Likewise, countenance does not simply mean a facial expression or visual appearance. The word comes from an old French term originally denoting (‘behavior,' 'demeanor,' or 'conduct.' In earlier times the word countenance was used with these meanings in mind
"According to Alma, the mighty change of heart must be 'experienced.' Perhaps that is why the concept of spiritual rebirth, 'being born again,' is considered by some to be difficult to talk about. In fact, it was never intended to be merely 'understood' intellectually or in a passive sense. It must be personally experienced. Alma wanted his audience to be active participants. Those who experienced it, said Alma, have 'felt to sing the song of redeeming love.' Other scripture confirms that it was so in ancient times as well. Alma hoped that his
people would retain this blessed and favored state; for only by remaining 'steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works' can celestial glory be guaranteed." (Skinner, Andrew C. "Alma's 'Pure Testimony.'" Essay. In Studies in Scripture, Volume 7: 1 Nephi to Alma 29, edited by Kent P. Jackson, 301-302. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book co., 1987.)
“To endure to the end, we need to be eager to please God and worship Him with fervor and passion. This means that we maintain faith in Jesus Christ by praying, studying the scriptures, partaking of the sacrament each week? and having the Holy Ghost as our constant companion. We need to actively help and serve others and share the gospel with them. We need to be perfectly upright and honest in all things, never compromising our covenants with God or our commitments to men, regardless of circumstances. In our homes we need to talk of, rejoice in, and preach of
Christ so that our children—and we ourselves—will desire to apply the Atonement in our lives. We must identify temptations that easily beset us and put them out of reach—way out of reach. Finally, we need to frequently biopsy our mightily changed hearts and reverse any signs of early rejection. (Dale G. Renlund, “Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change”)
"From Adam to Moses and from Moses to Christ, God's prophets and priests offered sacrifices. Such were in the similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father who was to come. When Moses lifted the serpent on the pole in ancient Israel and told the Israelites that those who would look would live when they were bitten by poisonous serpents, it was in similitude of the fact that the Son of God would be lifted up on the cross and that all who would look to him might live eternally. Every ordinance of the gospel is designed to point and center the attention of men in Christ... Every prophet that there has been in the world has borne record that he is the Son of God, because in its very nature that is the chief calling of a prophet. The testimony of Jesus is synonymous with the spirit of prophecy."
(McConkie, Bruce R. "What Think Ye of Christ?" General Conference October 1948.)
"Our Savior's Atonement does more than assure us of immortality by a universal resurrection and give us the opportunity to be cleansed from sin by repentance and baptism. His Atonement also provides the opportunity to call
upon Him who has experienced all of our mortal infirmities to give us the strength to bear the burdens of mortality. He
knows of our anguish, and He is there for us." - Dallin H Oaks
"The Savior has suffered not just for our sins and iniquities— but also for our physical pains and anguish, our weaknesses and shortcomings, our fears and frustrations, our disappointments and discouragement, our regrets and
remorse, our despair and desperation, the injustices and inequities We experience, and the emotional distresses that
beset us...There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first" - David A Bednar
Elders Quorum Online
The lesson was based on Sister Jean B. Bingham, ”United in Accomplishing God’s Work” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/34bingham?lang=eng ; and President Dallin H Oaks, “The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Keys.” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/36oaks?lang=eng
D&C 121: 34 - 46
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—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
Be careful of our opinions and remember the Lord is in charge. Remember that even if we are sure of ourselves, it doesn’t mean we are right.
Relief Society Online
The lesson based on Elder James R. Rasband, “Ensuring a Righteous Judgment”, April 2020 General Conference.
“As President Nelson has taught, ‘The Book of Mormon provides the fullest and most authoritative understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to be found anywhere.’ The more we understand about the Savior’s supernal gift, the more we will come to know, in our minds and in our hearts, the reality of President Nelson’s assurance that ‘the truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls.’”
“I have seen something similar happen to people I have known. I have seen some who have spent a long winter of guilt and spiritual starvation emerge into the morning of forgiveness.
“When morning came, they learned this:
“‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.’
“‘I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.’
“‘I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.’
“‘For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.’”
What are the demands of Justice?
What does justice require of you? Can you pay it?
“The thought that rescued Alma, when he acted upon it, is this: Restoring what you cannot restore, healing the wound you cannot heal, fixing that which you broke and you cannot fix is the very purpose of the atonement of Christ.” (President Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness”, October 1995 General Conference)
“As natural men and women, we all bump, or sometimes crash, into each other and cause harm. As any parent can testify, the pain associated with our mistakes is not simply the fear of our own punishment but the fear that we may have limited our children’s joy or in some way hindered them from seeing and understanding the truth. The glorious promise of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice is that as far as our mistakes as parents are concerned, He holds our children blameless and promises healing for them.”
Mosiah 27:25-26
25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
Sunday School Online
Mosiah 18-24
The priests of Noah suggested things but had no responsibility. King Noah had the responsibility, which is maybe why he waffled a little. They were not responsible for what was decided. How often do we run our mouths about decisions of leaders in the Church or in government or at work without looking at things from their perspective?
Mosiah 18:8-11
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
11 And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.
“Now, the first covenant we enter into here is the covenant of baptism. I know of no better explanation of the baptismal covenant than the one Alma gave [to his people].” (President Marion G. Romney, “According to the Covenants”, October 1975 General Conference)
President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “A covenant is a contract and an agreement between at least two parties. In the case of gospel covenants, the parties are the Lord in heaven and men on earth. Men agree to keep the commandments and the Lord promises to reward them accordingly” (President Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 91;).
BAPTISMAL COVENANTS, OUR PART
The covenants they (we) made at baptism:
• — "come into the fold of God"
• — be called the people of God
• — "bear one another's burdens"
• — "mourn with those that mourn"
• — comfort those who need comforting
• — stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places
• — be baptized in the name of the Lord as a witness that they have entered into a covenant with Him
• — serve the Lord and keep his commandments
If a business deal goes bad or someone treats us bad do we still have to be a witness of God at all times, in all things, and in all places?
Abinidi’s prophecy against the people was not conditional on them repenting like many prophecies are. The people had to take a bit of a lashing, even if they repented to solidify their change of heart and to have them remember Abinidi’s words.
When someone walks into a room when a prayer is being given and they see you in the room with your head bowed and they say, “Oh they are praying.” Were you or were you just being reverent until it was over?
Sunday School Online
Mosiah 7-10
Mosiah 7:19-21
19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.
20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into bondage.
21 And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being over-zealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round about
“Zeniff’s over-zealousness led him to make an unwise agreement with one whose ultimate purpose was to bring these Nephites into bondage.
“While we question the wisdom of Zeniff, we could ask if the same kind of zeal causes people today to make agreements or sign contracts that will ultimately place them in political or financial bondage. Individuals can be over-zealous for material possessions, or they can become so involved in a cause or in their work that they begin to neglect the weightier matters that are most important, such as family, church, and service to others.”
The teacher recommended:
Williams, Clyde J. •Deliverance from Bondage: Essay. In The Book ofMormon: Mosiah, Salvation Only through Christ, edited by Monte S. Nyman and Charles D. Tate, 263. Salt Lake City, UT: Greg Kofford Books, 1991.
Where we plant our seeds is where we reap our harvest.
“It apparently was not necessarily so that Zeniff was inherently wicked or intentionally unwise, but he was overzealous.It is also clear that his misplaced zeal led to other poor decisions that not only affected him personally in adverse ways but also caused tremendous difficulties for others under his influence. It didn’t help that he was also stiff-necked, which means that he was haughty and stubborn too. Can you see any potential dangers in a man who is strong, forceful, passionate, enthusiastic, stubborn, full of himself, and overzealous too? I know that all of you can perceive these interesting traits or character flaws in others, but do they ever creep into your own persona as well? I hope that is something we all try to consider at least a little, and correct if necessary, on a regular basis.
“Now let me be clear. We are in favor of correctly focused zeal. We admire courageous leaders and those who are willing to sacrifice or stand for what they know is right. The scriptures are replete with references to zeal, and the word is often attached to Deity. Without zeal and other associated virtues in courageous leaders and followers of previous days, we would not have this nation or this university, the gospel would not have been restored, and many other events of extreme importance would not have happened.
“Likewise, we abhor slothful behavior and thinking, which are antithetical to righteous and appropriate zeal. The Book of Mormon prophet Jacob described the failings of those he knew about who missed “the mark” or appropriate target of concern (Jacob 4:14).” (Cecil O Samuelson, “Appropriate Zeal”, BYU Speech Sept 7, 2010)
We need to be careful to not let our pride come into our righteous desires and make us overzealous even in good things.
“How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him?” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Missionary Work and the Atonement”, March 2001 Ensign)
John 20:17
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
JST John 20:17 … Hold me not …
From Elder Bruce r. McConkie:
“Various translations from the Greek render the passage as 'Do not cling to me' or 'Do not hold me.' Some give the meaning as 'Do not cling to me any longer,' or 'Do not hold me any longer.'
“We also hear Him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. It has never been more imperative to know how the Spirit speaks to you than right now. In the Godhead, the Holy Ghost is the messenger. He will bring thoughts to your mind which the Father and Son want you to receive. He is the Comforter. He will bring a feeling of peace to your heart. He testifies of truth and will confirm what is true as you hear and read the word of the Lord.
“I renew my plea for you to do whatever it takes to increase your spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him”, April 2020 General Conference)
Elders Quorum on Zoom
The lesson was based on A Perfect Brightness of Hope By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/43holland?lang=eng
“So, when our backs are to the wall and, as the hymn says, ‘other helpers fail and comforts flee,’ among our most indispensable virtues will be this precious gift of hope linked inextricably to our faith in God and our charity to others.”
2 Nephi 31:20
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
“I give thanks, my brothers and sisters, for all we have been given in this last and greatest of all dispensations, the dispensation of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The gifts and blessings that flow from that gospel mean everything to me—everything—so in an effort to thank my Father in Heaven for them, I have ‘promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.’”
Sunday School on Zoom Class 1
Mosiah 2:9
9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.
Why would King Benjamin warn against 'trifling' with his words?
What is needed to unfold the mysteries of God?
What role do each of these play in our coming to a knowledge of God?
Ears to hear. Hearts to understand. Mind to view the mysteries of God.
As we rejoice in the blessing of being able to think and to learn, it is imperative that we never lose our sense of humility before God
Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.
“We usually think of understanding as being associated with the brain. One of the lessons of [King Benjamin's] sermon is that spiritual things are understood with the heart—that is, by the feelings of the Spirit within us. But the brain is not left out of the process.”
...
“While I rejoice in what can happen as the spirit and the mind are joined in serious study, there is a caution that all of us who love the things of the mind need to take very seriously.”
...
“As we rejoice in the blessing of being able to think and to learn, it is imperative that we never lose our sense of humility before God.” (Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr., “Humbly Combining Heart and Mind”, BYU Speeches January 16, 2018)
Mosiah 4:9
9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
Someone commented that Elder Bednar teaches that knowledge is what we learn in our mind, and understanding comes as the Holy Spirit confirms the truth of our knowledge to our hearts. We have humility when we ask the Lord to confirm the truth to our hearts and spirits.
Why Should we serve - Mosiah 2:16-17
16 And even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.
17 And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
If service to others is service to God, then service to us could be looked at as service from God. We should be mindful to express gratitude to God for that service.
Why should we serve? - Mosiah 2:21
21 And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found blameless before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipotent.
Mosiah 5:12-13
12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.
13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?
Serving God allows us to know Him.
It would be impossible to reside in the Celestial Kingdom if we don’t know the Father and the Son.
2 Nephi 9:6
6 For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.
DnC 88:6
6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth;
Mosiah 2:32-38
32 But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit, which was spoken of by my father Mosiah.
33 For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who listeth to obey that spirit; for if he listeth to obey him, and remaineth and dieth in his sins, the same drinketh damnation to his own soul; for he receiveth for his wages an everlasting punishment, having transgressed the law of God contrary to his own knowledge.
34 I say unto you, that there are not any among you, except it be your little children that have not been taught concerning these things, but what knoweth that ye are eternally indebted to your heavenly Father, to render to him all that you have and are; and also have been taught concerning the records which contain the prophecies which have been spoken by the holy prophets, even down to the time our father, Lehi, left Jerusalem;
35 And also, all that has been spoken by our fathers until now. And behold, also, they spake that which was commanded them of the Lord; therefore, they are just and true.
36 And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved—
37 I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples.
38 Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.
Commenting on the Dead Sea Scrolls
“...there is a text, 4Q 251, that was unknown until just a few years ago. This Jewish text, written in the 1st Century BC, says: "When the Messiah comes, he will heal the sick, make the blind see, raise [or resurrect] the dead, and to the poor announce glad tidings." And another fragment (4Q 541) from that same cave reads as follows: "They will utter many words against him and an abundance of lies." So this was an
expectation among some Jews, and here you have the Nephites also knowing this around 124 BC. So that we might recognize the power of the coming Lord, a number of things are given to let people identify this person. When Jesus came working all of these miracles, it's not just that he was doing amazing things, but he does them so that people will know and identify who has come.” (Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, John W Welch & David Perry)
Mosiah 3:11
11 For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.
Mosiah 3:11 - Glad tidings, indeed,
Blood of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
Fall of Adam
We believe that we will be punished for our own sins and not for Adam's transgressions (Article of Faith 2)
Died not knowing the will of God
Many lived and died feeling joy and sorrow, feeling the effects of their sins, but without a knowledge of how to reconcile with God
Ignorantly sinned
Numbers 15:27-28 - And if any soul sin through ignorance... the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the Lord, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
Little Children
Little children are alive in Christ
“It is doctrinally incomplete to speak of the Lord's atoning sacrifice by shortcut phrases, such as ‘the Atonement’ or ‘the enabling power of the Atonement’ or ‘applying the Atonement’ or ‘being strengthened by the Atonement.’ These expressions present a real risk of misdirecting faith by treating the event as if it had living existence and capabilities independent of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
“Under the Fathers great eternal plan, it is the Savior who suffered. It is the Savior who broke the bands of death. It is the Savior who paid the price for our sins and transgressions and blots them out on condition of our repentance. It is the Savior who delivers us from physical and spiritual death.
“There is no amorphous entity called ‘the Atonement’ upon which we may call for succor, healing, forgiveness, or power. Jesus Christ is the source. Sacred terms such as Atonement and Resurrection describe what the Savior did, according to the Fathers plan, so that we may live with hope in this life and gain eternal life in the world to come. The Saviors atoning sacrifice—the central act of all human history—is best understood and appreciated when we expressly and clearly connect it to Him.” (President Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives”, April 2017 General Conference)
Sunday School on Zoom Class 2
Mosiah 1:3-5,7
3 And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.
4 For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children, except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even down to this present time.
5 I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.
7 And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.
1 Corinthians 2:14
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
The mysteries of God are discerned by the spirit. They are foolishness to those that don’t understand the mysteries of God.
One class member said that a temple president told them once that the mysteries of God are the ordinances and covenants of the temple.
Another class member suggested that the mysteries of God are the scriptures and they cannot be understood, except by the spirit.
One class member suggested that prospering in the scriptures means to have an increase of the spirit, not an increase of money.
King Benjamin tells us repeatedly to remember. Satan wants us to forget our testimony. He wants us to forget or doubt spiritual experiences we have had.
Mosiah 2:9
9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.
Mosiah 2:14-17
14 And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.
15 Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this day.
16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
Loving your neighbor is serving them. You learn to love them by serving. We also learn about God and about how to love Him.
Mosiah 2:38-41
38 Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.
39 And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment.
40 O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
Mosiah 3:19
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.
Mosiah 3:12
12 But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
