“Every Member a Missionary”
President Spencer W. Kimball said: “When I read Church history, I am amazed at the boldness of the early brethren as they went out into the world. They seemed to find a way. … As early as 1837 the Twelve were in England fighting Satan, in Tahiti in 1844, Australia in 1851, Iceland [in] 1853, Italy [in] 1850, and also in Switzerland, Germany, Tonga, Turkey, Mexico, Japan, Czechoslovakia, China, Samoa, New Zealand, South America, France, and Hawaii in 1850. … Much of this early proselyting was done while the leaders were climbing the Rockies and planting the sod and starting their homes. It is faith and super faith” (“When the World Will Be Converted,” Ensign, Oct. 1974, 6).
This lesson discusses a few ways in which the gospel is going forth into all the world.
OVERVIEW:
- The Church is coming forth out of obscurity.
- Latter-day prophets have challenged us to take the gospel to all the world.
- “Every member a missionary.”
- Nurturing new converts is our continuing responsibility.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 41.
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Finding Joy in Temple and Family History Work
This lesson discusses ways we can participate in temple and family history work. As we participate in this work, we gain a greater understanding of what it means to be part of an eternal family. Our hearts turn to our ancestors, their hearts turn to us, and the hearts of parents and children turn to one another. In our previous lesson, we discussed temple attendance and performance of priesthood ordinances for loved ones. In this lesson we review other ways in which we can expand our participation in temple and family history activities to benefit ourselves and others.
OVERVIEW:
- The Spirit of Elijah is prompting people to turn their hearts to their ancestors.
- Each member of the Church can participate in temple and family history work.
- The Church provides many resources to help us participate in temple and family history work.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 40.
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“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers”
The Spirit of Elijah is frequently mentioned by members of the Church. We typically associate it with the genealogical fervor and passion that many people, Mormon and gentile alike, have for family history. The spirit of Elijah spoken of by the prophets on many occasions is something very real. When members of the Church comes under its influence, it is a powerful, compelling force which motivates them with a desire to be attending to genealogical and temple work. It leaves us anxious over the well-being of our forebears. When that spirit comes, somehow we desire to know more about those forebears-we desire to know them.
In this lesson we will discuss the doctrine of redemption for the dead by briefly studying the work of four prophets: Elijah, President Wilford Woodruff, President Joseph F. Smith, and President Gordon B. Hinckley. The purpose of this lesson is to gain a greater understanding of the need to redeem the dead. The next lesson discusses some ways we can participate in temple and family history work.
OVERVIEW:
Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 2; 110:13–16; 138; Joseph Smith—History 1:37–39; Our Heritage,pages 98–99, 101–2, 105–7.
- Elijah: “The keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands.”
- President Wilford Woodruff: “Somebody has got to redeem them.”
- President Joseph F. Smith: “The eyes of my understanding were opened.”
- President Gordon B. Hinckley: “We are determined…to take the temples to the people.”
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 39.
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“In Mine Own Way”
Many of us needlessly carry heavy burdens throughout life. Lack of faith, idleness, lack of education, debt, and lack of preparation for the future can all be burdens. Each of these burdens, represented as rocks, weigh us down. As we take responsibility for ridding ourselves of some of these burdens, our lives will be better.
Latter-day prophets have always taught the importance of being self-reliant and helping those in need. This lesson discusses these principles as well as the welfare program of the Church, which encourages members to apply these principles.
OVERVIEW:
Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 38:30; 42:30–31, 42; 58:26–28; 104:13–18; Our Heritage,pages 108–9, 111–14.
- Developing spiritual self-reliance
- Developing temporal self-reliance
- Caring for the needy
- The Church welfare program
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: D&C-Church History Lesson 38.
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Posted in Gospel Doctrine | Tagged caring for the needy, Christianity, Church History, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Doctrine, History, LDS, Mormon, Religion, self-reliance | Leave a Comment »
