Welcome, Business, Introductions of Guests
Opening Prayer
Sharing Time and Question Time (Explain)
Unique Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Two weeks ago, we discussed the need to be kind and welcoming to all who come to Church and those we interact with in our everyday lives. However, this does not mean that we accept their beliefs as our beliefs.
??? What are unique beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints compared with religious beliefs? (List on the chalk board)
God and the Godhead – READ Article of Faith 1:1, D&C 131:22-23
??? What is unique in our belief about God and the Godhead
(3 distinct personages, bodies of flesh & bone, spirit is physical material)
Continuous revelation – READ Joseph Smith 1:17, Amos 3:7
Personal and to all the peoples of the earth
The fall of Adam and Eve – 2 Nephi 2:22-23
The atonement of Jesus Christ – The resolution of justice and mercy
Problems: 1. Death
2. Sin, resulting in alienation from God
3. Afflictions and infirmities
4. Weaknesses and imperfections
Solutions: 1. Resurrection for all – 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
2. Repentance & forgiveness – D&C 19:4, 58:42-43, Acts 5:31
3. Succor, healing, and endurance – Alma 7:11-12, D&C 121:7-8
4. Enabling powers or grace – Moroni 10:32
Summary: # 1 Tad R. Callister said, “In summary, the Savior’s Atonement gives us life for death, “beauty for ashes,” healing for hurt, and perfection for weakness. It is heaven’s antidote to the obstacles and struggles of this world.” (April 2019 General Conference)
Growth and progress, becoming like God
More scriptures than the Bible
??? Why might additional scriptures be important?
Covenants & Temple: Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Priesthood – Abrahamic covenant
Sacrifice – A broken heart and a contrite spirit
Obedience – Keeping the commandments
The law of the gospel – Love God and neighbor
Chastity – Abstinence before marriage and fidelity in marriage
Consecration – discussed two weeks ago
Eternal families The Family: A Proclamation to the World
What makes our view of families unique
View of heaven 2 Corinthians 12:2, D&C 76:50-70 – Three degrees of glory
Grace and works 2 Nephi 25:23
Joy now and forever 2 Neph 2:25
D&C 58:26–29 I can “bring to pass much righteousness” of my “own free will.”
READ 26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
??? What’s right and what’s wrong with the idea “just tell me what to do and I will do it.”
READ 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
HANDOUT # 2: “The Lord gives direction about eternal truths and principles, but He often leaves it to us to determine the specific details about how to act on these principles.”
??? Why is this important?
??? Does this help understand why the Lord may not answer some prayers?
??? Do you have examples in which you or someone you know was “anxiously engaged and … brought to righteousness?”
READ 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good, they shall in nowise lose their reward.
??? What do you learn from this verse?
READ 29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.
??? What does it mean to be damned?
D&C 60 and 62 I can share my love and testimony of Jesus Christ.
READ D&C 60:2
“2 But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.” One general authority said to his daughter in jest who was frustrated about the moral behavior at her high school that she get a wooden box, place it in the middle of the high school lunchroom, stand on it and give a loud sermon on morality. ??? Is that the best approach?
??? what advice would you give?
??? How do we go about sharing the gospel?
[Ministered to a part-member family, suggested the non-member husband join us. Ask him if he would like to have the missionaries teach him. He joined the Church and became my home teaching partner.
Patty Selapour – Student ask me, “What’s different about you?” I talked to her a little about the Church. She was Muslim but believed in Jesus Christ as a great prophet. We arranged for the missionaries to teach her, and she joined the Church.]
Share naturally, apropos to the situation.
D&C 63:58-64 Sacred things should be treated with reverence
??? How do you show reverence for sacred things?
??? Do you have to be extremely pious to show reverence for sacred things?
Testimony
Closing Prayer