Welcome, Business, Introductions of Guests
Opening Prayer
Sharing Time and Question Time (Explain)
Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17 Marriage between man and woman is essential to God’s plan.
Historical context – Leman Copley and the Shakers. Joseph prayed and received D&C 49 in response. Read to the Shakers.
READ D&C 49:15-17
15 And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man. 16 Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation; 17 And that it might be filled with the measure of man, according to his creation before the world was made.
??? Why does forbidding marriage between a man and a woman interfere with God’s plan for His children?
Quote by Elder Bruce C. Hafen, Marriage, Family Law, and the Temple, 2014. (2.04)
“I realize that many devoted people do not now live in the kind of family situation they either desire or deserve. Of course Church doctrine encourages marriage and discourages divorce, but marrying is not always under our control, and there are times when divorce is the better choice.2 Our Church leaders have long taught that despite divorce or being single, no eternal blessing, even celestial glory, will be denied to those who are true and faithful.”
Quote by President Nelson
“But what of the many mature members of the Church who are not married? Through no failing of their own, they deal with the trials of life alone. Be we all reminded that, in the Lord’s own way and time, no blessings will be withheld from His faithful Saints. The Lord will judge and reward each individual according to heartfelt desire as well as deed.” (General Conference, October, 2008)
The Family: A Proclamation to the World – (Distribute copies of the proclamation)
READ ¶ 1
1. We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
??? Who wrote this proclamation? ??? Why is that important?
Marriage and family central to God’s plan.
READ ¶ 2
2. All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
??? What does it mean to you to have a divine nature and destiny?
??? What does it mean to you that gender (birth sex) is an essential characteristic of our eternal identity and purpose before this life, during this life, and ever after this life?
READ ¶ 3
3. In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
??? What does it mean to you that families can be together forever?
??? What does this mean for a single never married person or a divorced person?
??? Will God force someone to be married to someone they don’t want to be married to?
??? Will God provide opportunities for marriage even after this life?
Note again the quote from President Nelson
READ ¶ 4 and 5
4. The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
5. We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
??? According to these paragraphs, why should sexual relations take place only between a man and a woman married together? [Story of Bishop Lynn Sorensen]
READ ¶ 6
6. Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
!!! Notice the verb “teach them.” It doesn’t say “force them.” Why not?
??? Are parent failures when a child goes astray?
READ ¶ 7
7. The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
??? What would you like to emphasize in this paragraph?
READ ¶ 8 and 9
8. We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
9. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
!!! Warning.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Doctrine and Covenants 50:13–24, Teachers and learners are edified together by the Spirit.
READ D&C 50:17-22
“17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God. 19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? 20 If it be some other way it is not of God. 21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? 22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.
??? Where does the responsibility lie to communicate and understand by the Spirit?
??? Does this apply to all really good communication?
The Law of Consecration
Play Audio recording (3:35) Kate Holbrook and Steven C. Harper
??? Are we invited to live the law of consecration now? ?? How does that work?
??? What stood out to you in the audio presentation?
Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19, The Lord helps me avoid deception.
READ D&C 52:14-17
“14 And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. 16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. 17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.”
??? In your own words, how do we avoid deception?
??? What additional advice would you give to avoid deception in our day?
Testimony
Closing Prayer