Welcome, Visitors and New Ward Members, Announcements
Opening Prayer
Sharing Time
God has a work for you to do
READ Joseph Smith History 1:33 “He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.”
READ Saints Vol. 1, Chapter 3, Paragraph 8 “At first Joseph was afraid, but peace soon filled him. The angel called him by name and introduced himself as Moroni. He said God had forgiven Joseph of his sins and now had work for him to do. He declared that Joseph’s name would be spoken of for good and evil among all people.”
??? What stood out to you in what was read?
??? Did you find something that might apply to you?
??? What work does God have for you to do?
[Mission, calling, spouse, children ...]
I can trust God, D&C 3:1-16
READ D&C 3:1 “The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.”
READ Moses 1:39 “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”
??? What does it tell you if God’s work cannot be frustrated and His work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man?
??? How might the principle, “I can trust God,” be helpful for you in your life today?
READ D&C 3:7-8 “For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.”
??? What might get in the way of our trusting God?
??? Can you think of some examples where this has happened today?
Everyone open D&C 4
Doctrine and Covenants 4, I can serve God with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.
READ D&C 4 “Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. 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. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work; 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; And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.”
??? Who was this section written to? [Joseph Smith Sn.]
??? Who is in the service God?
[Missionaries, general authorities, bishops, stake presidents, ministering individuals, Sunday School teachers, spouses, parents, children, youth (the youth battalion), single individuals, most everyone]
??? What qualities should we seek while in the “service of God?”
[Thrust in my sickle (define), faith, hope, charity, love, and eye single to God’s glory, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, diligence, ask, knock (faith and charity are mentioned twice)]
Class member report on Martin Harris (5-7 minutes) – President Julien Froude
D&C 5 Through the Holy Ghost, I can gain a witness of the Book of Mormon
READ D&C 5:16 “And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit—
READ Moroni 10:3-5 “Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
READ D&C 5:16 “And behold, whosoever believeth on my words, them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit; and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit—
Answering Questions or Concerns Related to Historical Events, Church Teachings and Policies, or Human Failures
(Distribute Handout)
Recognize That Revelation is a Process
• Remember that revelation usually starts with questions.
• Recognize that revelation comes line upon line.
• Remember that God speaks to us according to our understanding.
• Be faithful and believe.
• Remember that all good comes from God.
• Know that obtaining revelation can be a struggle.
• Continue to seek revelation.
Testimony
Prayer
Handout
“Sometimes we have questions or concerns related to historical events, Church teachings and policies, or human failures. Finding peace with such questions deserves our honest effort. But it’s important to distinguish core gospel truths from things that aren’t as essential.”
From Topics and Questions – Seeking Answers to Questions
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught, “Never in the history of the world have we had easier access to more information—some of it true, some of it false, and much of it partially true.” In this environment of uncertainty, the Church urges members to “seek out and share only credible, reliable, and factual sources of information.” We should avoid sources that are founded on rumor or that promote contention or anger.
· Evaluate the reliability of sources.
· Learn to recognize bias. Examine your source’s motives and background.
· Corroborate what you learn.
· Distinguish facts from interpretation.
· Become familiar with Church resources. In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the best sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook. The Church has also published additional resources to help you better understand some of the most common questions Latter-day Saints have about Church history and culture. You may find these to be useful starting points as you investigate your questions.
· Seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/seeking-answers/04-recognize-revelation-is-a-process?lang=eng