My lesson for sunday is titled The Life of Christ.
Jenny Hatch

By artist
Carl Heinrich Bloch

The Life of Christ
Chapter 11

31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Four: Jesus Christ as Our Savior, 11: The Life of Christ, 61

Every person who comes to earth depends on Jesus Christ to fulfill the promise He made in heaven to be our Savior. Without him, the plan of salvation would have failed. Because his mission was necessary, all of the prophets from Adam to Christ testified that he would come (see Acts 10:43). All of the prophets since Christ have testified that he did come. All of us need to study the life of the Savior and follow him faithfully throughout our lives. We each need to have a personal relationship with him.

The Life of Christ Was Predicted Long before His Birth

An angel told Adam that the Savior’s name would be Jesus Christ (see Moses 6:51–52). Enoch saw that Jesus would die upon the cross and be resurrected (see Moses 7:55–56). Noah and Moses also testified of him (see Moses 8:23–24). About eight hundred years before the Savior was born on the earth, Isaiah foresaw his life. When Isaiah saw the grief and sorrow that the Savior would suffer to pay the price for our sins, he exclaimed:

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. …

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. …

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities. …

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:3–7).

Nephi also saw a vision of the Savior’s future birth and mission. He saw a beautiful virgin, and an angel explained, “Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh” (1 Nephi 11:18). Then Nephi saw the virgin holding a child in her arms. The angel declared, “Behold the lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Nephi 11:21).

About 124 years before Jesus was born, King Benjamin, another Nephite prophet and king, also foresaw the Savior’s life:

“For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

“And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.

“And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

“And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary” (Mosiah 3:5–8).

He Was the Only Begotten of the Father

The story of the birth and life of the Savior is found in the New Testament in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. From their accounts we learn that Jesus was born of a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to marry Joseph when an angel of the Lord appeared to her. The angel told her that she was to be the mother of the Son of God. She asked him how this was possible (see Luke 1:34). He told her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). Thus, God the Father became the literal father of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the only person on earth to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal father. That is why he is called the Only Begotten Son. From his mother he inherited mortality and was subject to hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, and death. He inherited divine powers from his Father. No one could take the Savior’s life from him unless He willed it. He had power to lay it down and power to take up his body again after dying. (See John 10:17–18.)

Discussion

•     Read Luke 1:34–35. Why was Jesus Christ known as the Only Begotten of the Father?

•     What did he inherit from his Father?

•     What did he inherit from his mother?

He Led a Perfect Life

From his youth, Jesus obeyed all that was required of him by our Heavenly Father. Under the guidance of Mary and Joseph, Jesus grew much as other children grow. He loved and obeyed the truth. Luke tells us, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).

By the time he was twelve years old, Jesus knew he had been sent to do the will of his Father. He went with his parents to Jerusalem. When his parents were returning home, they discovered that he was not with their group. They went back to Jerusalem to look for him. “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46–47).

Joseph and Mary were relieved to find him but unhappy that he had treated them so. Mary said: “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father [Joseph] and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Jesus answered her gently, reminding her that Joseph was only a stepfather: “Wist ye not that I must be about my [Heavenly] Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48–49).

In order to fulfill his mission, Jesus was to do the will of his Father in Heaven. “I do nothing of myself,” he declared, “but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. … I do always those things that please him” (John 8:28–29).

When Jesus was thirty years old, he came to his cousin John to be baptized in the Jordan River. John was reluctant to baptize Jesus because he knew that Jesus had never sinned. Jesus asked John to baptize him in order “to fulfil all righteousness.” John did baptize the Savior, immersing him completely in the water. When Jesus was baptized, his Father spoke from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Holy Ghost descended, as shown by the sign of the dove. (See Matthew 3:13–17.)

Soon after Jesus’ baptism, Satan came to him to tempt him. He wanted Jesus to fail his mission. If Satan could get him to commit just one sin, then Jesus would not be worthy to be our Savior, and the plan would fail. In this way Satan could make us as miserable as he is. We would never be able to return to our Heavenly Father.

Satan’s temptations came after Jesus had been fasting for forty days. Jesus firmly resisted all these temptations, then commanded Satan to leave. When Satan was gone, angels came and ministered to Jesus. (See Matthew 4:1–11.)

He Taught Us How to Love and Serve One Another

After being tempted by Satan, Jesus began his public ministry. He came to earth not only to die for us but also to teach us how to live. He taught that there are two great commandments: first, to love God with all our heart, mind, and strength; and second, to love others as we love ourselves (see Matthew 22:36–39). His life is an example of how we should obey these two commandments. If we love God, we will trust and obey him, as Jesus did. If we love others, we will help them meet their physical and spiritual needs.

Jesus spent his life serving others. He cured them of diseases. He made the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk. Once when he was healing the sick, it became late and the people were hungry. Instead of sending them away, he blessed five loaves of bread and two fish and miraculously was able to feed a multitude of five thousand people. (See Matthew 14:14–21.) He taught that whenever we find people hungry, cold, naked, or lonely, we should help them all we can. When we help others, we are serving the Lord. (See Matthew 25:35–46.)

Jesus loved others with all his heart. Often his heart was so full of compassion that he wept. He loved little children, the elderly, and the humble, simple people who had faith in him. He loved those who had sinned, and with great compassion he taught them to repent and be baptized. He taught, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Jesus even loved those who sinned against him and were unrepentant. At the end of his life, as he hung on the cross, he prayed to the Father for the soldiers who had crucified him, pleading, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He taught, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

Discussion

•     Read Matthew 22:36–40. What are some ways we can show the Lord that we love him?

•     Read Matthew 5:48. Is it possible to become perfect in aspects of our own daily lives (such as paying debts, keeping the Sabbath day holy, fasting, keeping the Word of Wisdom)?

He Organized the Only True Church

Jesus wanted his gospel taught to people all over the earth, so he chose twelve Apostles to testify of him. They were the original leaders of his Church. They received the authority to act in his name and do the works they had seen him do. Those who received authority from them were also able to teach, baptize, and perform other ordinances in his name. After his death, they continued to do his work until the people became so wicked that they killed the Apostles.

Discussion

•     Why did Jesus choose the Twelve Apostles?

•     Read Mark 3:14–15. For what purpose were the Apostles ordained?

He Redeemed Us from Our Sins and Saved Us from Death

When his work of teaching and blessing the people was finished, Jesus prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for all the sins of mankind. He had been condemned to die because he had testified to the people that he was the Son of God.

The night before his crucifixion, he went to a garden called Gethsemane. There he knelt and prayed. Soon he was weighed down by deep sorrow and wept as he prayed. Latter-day Apostle Orson F. Whitney was permitted to see the Savior’s suffering in a vision. Seeing the Savior weep, he said: “I was so moved at the sight that I also wept, out of pure sympathy. My whole heart went out to Him; I loved Him with all my soul, and longed to be with Him as I longed for nothing else” (in Bryant Hinckley, The Faith of Our Pioneer Fathers, p. 211). Jesus “went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

In a modern revelation the Savior described how great his suffering was, saying it caused him “to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit” (D&C 19:18). The awful anguish of taking upon himself every sin that any human being has ever committed went through the Savior’s body. No mortal person can comprehend just how great this burden was. No other person could have endured such agony of body and spirit. “He descended below all things … that he might be in all things and through all things, the light of truth” (D&C 88:6).

But his suffering was not yet complete. The following day, Jesus was beaten, humiliated, and spit upon. He was required to carry his own cross up the hill; then he was lifted up and nailed to it. He was tortured in one of the cruelest ways men have ever devised. After nine hours on the cross, he cried out in agony, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). In Jesus’ bitterest hour, the Father had withdrawn his spirit from him so Jesus could finish suffering the penalty for the sins of all mankind that Jesus might have complete victory over the forces of sin and death.

When the Savior knew that his sacrifice had been accepted by the Father, he exclaimed in a loud voice, “It is finished” (John 19:30). “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). He bowed his head and voluntarily gave up his spirit. The Savior was dead. A violent earthquake shook the earth.

Some friends took the Savior’s body to a tomb, where it lay for three days. During this time his spirit went and organized the missionary work to other spirits who needed to receive his gospel (see 1 Peter 3:18–20; D&C 138). On the third day, a Sunday, he returned to his body and took it up again. He was the first to overcome death. The prophecy had been fulfilled “that he must rise again from the dead” (John 20:9).

Shortly after his resurrection, the Savior appeared to the Nephites and established his Church in the Americas. He taught the people and blessed them. This moving account is found in 3 Nephi 11 through 28.

Discussion

•     How do you feel as you ponder the Savior’s sacrifice for us?

What Does the Savior’s Life Mean for Us?

Jesus taught: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:13–14). He willingly and humbly went through the sorrow in Gethsemane and the suffering on the cross.

The Savior will have died in vain for our sins if we do not come unto him, repent of our sins, and love him with all our hearts. He said:

“And this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

“And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me … that they may be judged according to their works. …

“For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; …

“Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:13–15, 3 Nephi 27:21, 3 Nephi 27:27; italics added).

Discussion

•     Imagine that you had a large debt but could not pay it. How would you feel about a person who offered to pay the debt for you? Compare this to the sacrifice of Jesus.

Additional Scriptures

•     2 Nephi 25:12 (the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh)

•     Moses 6:57 (Jesus Christ named as the Only Begotten)

•     Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (life and teachings of Jesus Christ)

•     Matthew 10:1–8; Luke 9:1–2 (Apostles ordained with power and authority)

•     Matthew 26–28; Mark 14–16; Luke 22–24 (Jesus in the Garden; betrayed, crucified, and resurrected)

Here is my lesson for sunday. I love the scriptures! I have read all four standard works completely through, and I have read the Book of Mormon 23 times. Certain verses and chapters I have read hundreds of times, and I have memorized scores of verses. I love the poetry of the King James version of the Bible, and I feel sorry for those who are learning bible language with a “Modern” twist.
Check out this story to learn more about how the Bible came to be: How we Got the Bible
The story of the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon has a similar compelling narative.
Here is the lesson on the scriptures:
Jenny Hatch

Scriptures
Chapter 10

31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Three: Communication between God and Man, 10: Scriptures, 52

When the Lord’s servants speak or write under the influence of the Holy Ghost, their words become scripture (see D&C 68:4). From the beginning, the Lord has commanded his prophets to keep a record of his revelations and his dealings with his children. He said: “I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written” (2 Nephi 29:11).

What Scriptures Do We Have Today?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints accepts four books as scripture: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These books are called the standard works of the Church. The inspired words of our living prophets are also accepted as scripture.

The Bible is a collection of sacred writings containing God’s revelations to man. These writings cover many centuries, from the time of Adam through the time when the Apostles of Jesus Christ lived. They were written by many prophets who lived at various times in the history of the world.

The Bible is divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Many prophecies in the Old Testament foretell the coming of a Savior and Redeemer. The New Testament tells of the life of that Savior and Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ. It also tells of the establishing of his Church in that day. “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Articles of Faith 1:8).

The Book of Mormon is a sacred record of some of the people who lived on the American continents between about 2,000 B.C. and A.D. 400. It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (see D&C 20:9; D&C 42:12; D&C 135:3). The Book of Mormon tells of the visit Jesus Christ made to the people in the Americas soon after his resurrection.

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon into English through the gift and power of God. He said that it is “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461).

President Ezra Taft Benson helped us understand how the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. He said:

“There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony.

“The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. …

“[It] broadens our understandings of the doctrines of salvation. The Book of Mormon … was written for our day. In [it] we find a pattern for preparing for the Second Coming. …

“The Book of Mormon teaches us truth [and] bears testimony of Jesus Christ. … But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life,’ and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. … ‘Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit’ ” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, pp. 4–7; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, pp. 5–7).

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of modern revelations. In section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord reveals that the book is published to the inhabitants of the earth to prepare them for his coming:

“Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear:

“Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh” (D&C 1:11–12).

This book contains the revelations regarding the Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored in these last days. Several sections of the book explain the organization of the Church and define the offices of the priesthood and their functions. Other sections, such as sections 76 and 88, contain glorious truths that were lost to the world for hundreds of years. Still others, such as sections 29 and 93, shed light on teachings in the Bible. In addition, some sections, such as section 133, contain prophecies of events to come. God has commanded us to study his revelations in this book: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled” (D&C 1:37).

The Pearl of Great Price contains the Book of Moses, the Book of Abraham, and some inspired writings of Joseph Smith. The Book of Moses contains an account of some of the visions and writings of Moses, revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in June and December 1830. It clarifies doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and gives added information concerning the creation of the earth.

The Book of Abraham was translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith from a papyrus scroll taken from the Egyptian catacombs. This book contains valuable information about the Creation, the gospel, the nature of God, and the priesthood.

The writings of Joseph Smith include part of Joseph Smith’s inspired translation of the Bible, selections from his History of the Church, and the Articles of Faith.

Words of Our Living Prophets

In addition to these four books of scripture, the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders. “We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9).

Discussion

•     Read Doctrine and Covenants D&C 68:4. What is scripture?

•     Name the standard works of the Church. Have four people each tell about what is in one of the standard works and how we received it.

•     Ask a class member to read or quote the ninth article of faith. [Articles of Faith 1:9]

•     Show a copy of a Church publication. Have someone read some inspired words of the prophet found there.

Studying the Scriptures

We should each study the scriptures every day. We should share these truths with our children. Our standard works should be placed where our children will see them and learn to love them and use them for the truths they contain.

If we desire to avoid the evils of this world, we must feed our minds with the truth and righteousness found in the scriptures. We will grow closer to God and to each other as we read and ponder the scriptures together.

As we read, ponder, and pray about the scriptures and ask God for understanding, the Holy Ghost will bear witness to us of the truth of these things. We will each know for ourselves that these things are true. We will not be deceived (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37). We can receive the same feelings Nephi expressed when he said, “My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard” (2 Nephi 4:16).

Discussion

•     Plan the time and place for your scripture study, and set a goal to study each day. Discuss how to keep the commitment to study the scriptures each day.

Additional Scriptures

•     1 Nephi 19:1–3; 1 Nephi 14:20–26 (prophets commanded to write)

•     1 Nephi 19:1–3, 1 Nephi 19:6–7; Alma 37:1–8 (great worth of scriptures)

•     2 Nephi 33:10 (scriptures testify of Christ)

•     Alma 29:8 (Lord speaks to all nations through scriptures)

•     2 Timothy 3:16–17; 1 Nephi 19:21–24 (why and how scriptures are given)

•     2 Peter 1:20; Alma 13:20; D&C 10:62 (scriptures are clear and do not distort)

•     D&C 128:18; 1 Nephi 14:25–26 (scriptures yet to come)

•     2 Nephi 29:3–10 (scriptures to Jews and to Gentiles)

function docSynch()
{
if (top.JSTrace != null)
{
top.JSTrace(top.TraceIt, this.name, this.location, “docSynch”, “Entered”);
}
var current_document = top.getCurrentDocument(false);
var contents_window = top.frameExists(“contents”);
// whack any leading slash character
if (current_document.charAt(0) == “/”)
{
current_document = current_document.substring(1);
}
if (current_document != “”)
{
current_document = escape(current_document);
if ((contents_window) && (contents_window.synchronize))
{
contents_window.synchronize(current_document);
}
}
}
if (top.JSTrace != null)
{
docSynch();
top.JSTrace(top.TraceIt, this.name, this.location, “docSynch”, “Exited”);
}

I was not able to teach my class last sunday as I was deathly ill. My dear friend Brent subbed for me, but here is the lesson for those of you who would like to review it.
Jenny Hatch

Prophets of God
Chapter 9

31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Three: Communication between God and Man, 9: Prophets of God, 47

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Many people live in darkness, unsure of God’s will. They believe that the heavens are closed and that people must face the world’s perils alone. How fortunate are the Latter-day Saints! We know that God communicates to the Church through his prophet. With grateful hearts, Saints the world over sing the hymn, “We thank thee, O God, for a prophet to guide us in these latter days.”

What Is a Prophet?

A prophet is a man called by God to be his representative on earth. When a prophet speaks for God, it is as if God were speaking. A prophet is also a special witness for Christ, testifying of His divinity and teaching His gospel. A prophet teaches truth and interprets the word of God. He calls the unrighteous to repentance. He receives revelations and directions from the Lord for our benefit. He may see into the future and foretell coming events so that the world may be warned.

A prophet may come from various stations in life. He may be young or old, highly educated or unschooled. He may be a farmer, a lawyer, or a teacher. Ancient prophets wore tunics and carried staffs. Modern prophets wear suits and carry briefcases. What, then, identifies a true prophet? A true prophet is always chosen by God and called through proper priesthood authority.

Latter-day Saints sustain the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles as prophets. However, when we speak of “the prophet of the Church,” we mean the President of the Church, who is President of the high priesthood.

Discussion

•     What is a prophet?

•     What powers and gifts does he have?

•     What does he do?

•     What office does he hold in the Church?

Through the Ages God Has Called Prophets to Lead Mankind

There have been prophets on the earth since the days of Adam. Experiences of these great men excite and inspire us. Moses, an Old Testament prophet, led thousands of his people out of Egypt and slavery into the promised land. He wrote the first five books of the Old Testament and recorded the Ten Commandments. Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet, sailed from Jerusalem to the American continent about six hundred years before the birth of Christ. This great leader and colonizer gave us many important writings in the Book of Mormon. John the Baptist was chosen to prepare the world for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through Joseph Smith, a latter-day prophet, the Lord restored the Church. Joseph Smith also translated the Book of Mormon while a young man.

We Have a Living Prophet on the Earth Today

We have a prophet living on the earth today. This prophet is the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has the right to revelation for the entire Church. He holds the “keys of the kingdom,” meaning that he has the right to control the administration of the ordinances (see Matthew 16:19). No person except the chosen prophet and president can receive God’s will for the membership of the Church.

We should do those things the prophets tell us to do. President Wilford Woodruff said that a prophet will never be allowed to lead the Church astray:

“I say to Israel, the Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as president of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the program. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so he will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. God bless you” (Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 212–13; see also Official Declaration 1).

Discussion

•     Ask class members to name as many prophets as they can.

•     Who is the prophet who directs the Church today? Have a class member tell about the living prophet.

We Should Sustain the Lord’s Prophet

Many people find it easy to believe in the prophets of the past. But it is much greater to believe in and follow the living prophet. We raise our hands to sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer, and revelator.

How can we sustain the prophet? We should pray for him. His burdens are heavy, and he needs to be strengthened by the prayers of the Saints.

We should study his words. We can listen to his conference addresses or read them in Church publications.

We should follow his inspired teachings completely. We should not choose to follow part of his inspired counsel and discard that which is unpleasant or difficult. The Lord commanded us to follow the inspired teachings of his prophet:

“Thou shalt give heed unto all his [the prophet’s] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

“For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:4–5).

The Lord will never allow the President of the Church to lead us astray.

Discussion

•     Discuss what we can do to follow and sustain the prophet.

•     Where can we learn of his counsel today?

Great Blessings Follow Obedience to the Prophet

If we obey, the Lord promises, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you; and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory” (D&C 21:6).

When we do as our prophet directs, blessings pour down from heaven. A story from the life of Lorenzo Snow, the fifth president of the restored Church, shows how God rewards his people for their obedience. In those days the Church was suffering great financial trouble and had little money to pay its debts. Then more trouble came. A great drought afflicted many of the Saints. President Snow went to the Lord and prayed for relief. One day as the prophet was speaking in the St. George Tabernacle in Utah, the Holy Ghost inspired him to promise the Saints that they would receive rain if they would pay a full tithe. He quoted Malachi: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, … and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). The people obeyed their prophet, and the rains fell on the parched crops.

In order to stand, the true Church must be built upon the foundation of prophets (see Ephesians 2:20). We are blessed in this insecure world to have a prophet through whom the Lord reveals his will.

Discussion

•     Have someone share an experience in which obedience to the counsel of the prophet was a blessing.

Additional Scriptures

•     Numbers 12:6 (God speaks through prophets)

•     1 Samuel 9:9 (prophet called a seer)

•     Luke 1:70 (God speaks through prophets)

•     D&C 45:10, D&C 45:15 (God speaks today as in days of old)

•     1 Nephi 22:2 (by the Spirit things are made known to prophets)

•     D&C 68:3–5 (when the Lord’s servants speak as moved by the Holy Ghost, it is the mind, will, and voice of the Lord)

•     D&C 107:65–67, D&C 107:91–92 (duties of the President of the Church)

•     D&C 43:1–7 (only the prophet is authorized to receive revelations for the Church)

Sunday School Lesson – Praying to our Heavenly Father

Click on the Thumbnail photo to learn more about The First Vision

When I started blogging my lessons for the Gospel Essentials class I teach a few weeks ago, I was not sure if anyone would be interested in reading them. But as I have checked the traffic, they seem to be some of the most popular of the whole Blog.
So I will continue posting. Here is the lesson I am going to teach this morning. I did not have a chance to prepare my lesson before today, because I directed our Wards Road Show this past week. (When I upload the pictures, I’ll make a blog entry on the Show. We had a really fun time putting it together and I was so pleased with the efforts of the youth in our ward. They are simply a great group of people. And it was pure joy to share my love of musical theatre with them during an intense “play in a day” format.
I am going to be the Musical Director for my childrens schools production of Kiss Me Kate. This show is the Cole Porter musical based on Shakespeares Taming of the Shrew. We had auditions last week, and I was completely overwhelmed by the level of talent and enthusiasm for the show at the school. I am very much looking forward to helping produce this show. Our first rehearsal is a week from monday!
Jenny Hatch

Praying to Our Heavenly Father
Chapter 8

31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Three: Communication between God and Man, 8: Praying to Our Heavenly Father, 41

Jesus taught, “Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name” (3 Nephi 18:19).

Prayer is one of the greatest blessings we have while we are here on earth. Through prayer we can communicate with our Heavenly Father and seek his guidance daily.

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is a sincere, heartfelt talk with our Heavenly Father. We should pray to God and to no one else. We do not pray to any other being or to anything made by man or God (see Exodus 20:3–5).

Why Do We Pray?

Prayer has been an important part of the gospel from the beginning of the world. An angel of the Lord commanded Adam and Eve to repent and call upon God in the name of the Son (see Moses 5:8). This commandment has never been taken away. Nothing will help us draw closer to God than prayer. All of our thoughts, our words, and our actions are influenced by our prayers.

We should pray for strength to resist the temptations of Satan and his followers (see 3 Nephi 18:15; D&C 10:5). We should pray to confess our sins to God and ask him to forgive us (see Alma 38:14).

We should pray for the Lord’s guidance and help in our daily lives. We need to pray for our families and friends, our neighbors, our crops and our animals, our daily work, and our other activities. We should pray for protection from our enemies. (See Alma 34:17–25.)

We should pray to express love to our Heavenly Father and to feel closer to him. We should pray to our Father to thank him for our welfare and comfort and for all things he gives us each day (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). We need to pray to ask our Heavenly Father for strength to live the gospel.

We should pray so we can keep on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. We must pray to God, the author of all righteousness, so we may be righteous in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Discussion

•     How has prayer helped you grow closer to our Heavenly Father?

•     Tell the story of Daniel to the class (see Daniel 6:1–23).

•     How did Daniel pray?

•     How important was prayer to Daniel?

When Should We Pray?

We can pray whenever we feel the need to communicate with our Heavenly Father, whether silently or vocally. Sometimes we need to be alone where we can pour out our souls to him (see Matthew 6:6). In addition, we can pray during our daily activities. We can pray while we are in a Church meeting, in our house, walking down a path or street, working, preparing a meal, or wherever we may be and whatever we may be doing. We can pray any time of the day or night. We can pray when we are alone or when we are with other people. We can keep our Heavenly Father in our thoughts at all times (see Alma 34:27).

At times we may not feel like praying. We may be angry or discouraged or upset. At these times we should make a special effort to pray.

We should each pray privately at least every night and every morning. The scriptures speak of praying morning, midday, and evening (see Alma 34:21).

We are commanded to have family prayers so that our families may be blessed (see 3 Nephi 18:21). Our Church leaders have counseled us to pray as families each morning and night.

We also have the privilege of praying to give thanks and ask a blessing on the food before each meal.

We open and close all of our Church meetings with prayer. We thank the Lord for his blessings and ask for his help so we may worship in a manner that pleases him.

Discussion

•     Ask someone to read the story of Enos (see Enos 1:1–12).

•     What words did Enos use to describe how he prayed?

How Should We Pray?

No matter where we are, whether we stand or kneel, whether we pray vocally or silently, whether we pray privately or in behalf of a group, we should always pray in faith, “with a sincere heart, with real intent” (Moroni 10:4).

As we pray to our Heavenly Father, we should tell him what we really feel in our hearts, confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, thank him, express our love for him. We should not repeat meaningless words and phrases (see Matthew 6:7–8). We should always ask that his will be done, remembering that what we desire may not be best for us (see 3 Nephi 18:20). At the end of our prayer, we close in the name of Jesus Christ (see 3 Nephi 18:19).

How Are Prayers Answered?

Our sincere prayers are always answered. Sometimes the answer may be no, because what we have asked for would not be best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, and we have a warm, comfortable feeling about what we should do (see D&C 9:8–9). Sometimes the answer is “wait a while.” Our prayers are always answered at a time and in a way that the Lord knows will help us the most.

Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers through other people. A good friend, a husband or wife, a parent or other family member, a Church leader, a missionary—any of these individuals may be inspired to perform acts that will answer our prayers. An example of this is the experience of a young mother whose baby was injured in an accident at home. She had no way to get the baby to a doctor. She was new in the neighborhood and did not know her neighbors. The young mother prayed for help. In a few minutes, a neighbor lady came to the door, saying, “I had a feeling I should come and see if you needed any help.” The neighbor helped the young mother get the baby to a doctor.

Often God gives us the power to help answer our own prayers. As we pray for help, we should do all we can to bring about the things we desire.

As we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and pray always, we will have joy and happiness. “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers” (D&C 112:10).

Discussion

•     Are we always given what we ask for? Why not?

•     Read D&C 46:30. Why is it important to ask “according to the will of God”?

•     Ask members to share experiences of when and how the Lord has answered their prayers.

•     Close with your own testimony of prayer.

•     Encourage prayers in the family, blessings on the food, and individual prayer.

Additional Scriptures

•     James 1:5 (what to pray for)

•     1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 55:17; 2 Nephi 32:9 (when to pray)

•     Alma 34:26 (where to pray)

•     3 Nephi 19:6, 3 Nephi 19:24; 1 Timothy 4:15 (how to pray)

•     D&C 88:63–65 (how prayers are answered)

•     Moroni 10:3–5; Alma 37:37 (promises for prayer)

[picture]
We should pray individually and as families morning and night.

function docSynch()
{
if (top.JSTrace != null)
{
top.JSTrace(top.TraceIt, this.name, this.location, “docSynch”, “Entered”);
}
var current_document = top.getCurrentDocument(false);
var contents_window = top.frameExists(“contents”);
// whack any leading slash character
if (current_document.charAt(0) == “/”)
{
current_document = current_document.substring(1);
}
if (current_document != “”)
{
current_document = escape(current_document);
if ((contents_window) && (contents_window.synchronize))
{
contents_window.synchronize(current_document);
}
}
}
if (top.JSTrace != null)
{
docSynch();
top.JSTrace(top.TraceIt, this.name, this.location, “docSynch”, “Exited”);
}

I just prepared my sunday school lesson and thought I would post it here on my blog.
Jenny Hatch

The Holy Ghost
Chapter 7

31110, Gospel Principles, Unit Three: Communication between God and Man, 7: The Holy Ghost, 36

After Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they began to till the earth and work at other tasks for their living. They had many children, and their sons and daughters also married and had children (see Moses 5:1–3). Thus, spirit children of our Heavenly Father began leaving his presence to come to the earth as they had been promised. As they came to earth, the memory of their heavenly home was taken from them. But our Father did not shut them away from his influence. He sent the Holy Ghost to comfort and help and guide all of his spirit children.

Why Did the Holy Ghost Come to Adam?

Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer. He spoke to them and gave them commandments, which they obeyed. (See Moses 5:4–5.) An angel of the Lord came and taught Adam and Eve the plan of salvation. The Lord sent the Holy Ghost to testify of the Father and of the Son and to teach Adam and Eve the gospel (see Moses 5:9).

Through the power of the Holy Ghost, Adam “began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God” (Moses 5:10). Because of the witness of the Holy Ghost to Eve, she said, “Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient” (Moses 5:11).

Discussion

•     Read the account of the Holy Ghost being sent to Adam and Eve (see Moses 5:4–11). Discuss why the Holy Ghost was sent to them.

Who Is the Holy Ghost?

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (see 1 John 5:7; D&C 20:28). He is a spirit that has the form and likeness of a man (see D&C 130:22). He can be in only one place at a time, but his influence can be everywhere at the same time.

Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are called the Godhead. They are unified in purpose. Each has an important assignment in the plan of salvation. Our Heavenly Father is our Father and ruler. Jesus Christ is our Savior. The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth.

The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father’s messenger and is a special gift to us. How we can receive the Holy Ghost will be discussed in chapter 21.

Discussion

•     Read Doctrine and Covenants D&C 130:22. Discuss how the Holy Ghost differs from the Father and the Son.

•     How are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one? To answer, use the example of a father, mother, and children working for one same purpose. Relate examples.

•     How can the influence of the Holy Ghost be in many places at one time? To answer, compare the Holy Ghost to the sun. There is just one sun, but its light and warmth are felt by everyone on earth.

Why Is the Holy Ghost Necessary?

The mission of the Holy Ghost is to bear witness of the Father and the Son and of the truth of all things.

The Holy Ghost will witness to us that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer (see 3 Nephi 28:11; D&C 20:27; Hebrews 10:15). He will reveal to us that our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. He will help us understand that we can become exalted like our Heavenly Father. (See Romans 8:16–17.) The prophets of the Lord have promised, “By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5).

Without the Holy Ghost, we could not know that Jesus is the Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (1 Corinthians 12:3). The Savior himself said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). It is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we are led to understand and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The convincing power of the Holy Ghost is so great that there can be no doubt that what he reveals to us is true. President Joseph Fielding Smith said:

“When a man has the manifestation from the Holy Ghost, it leaves an indelible impression on his soul, one that is not easily erased. It is Spirit speaking to spirit, and it comes with convincing force. A manifestation of an angel, or even the Son of God himself, would impress the eye and mind, and eventually become dimmed, but the impressions of the Holy Ghost sink deeper into the soul and are more difficult to erase” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:151).

President Smith also said, “Through the Holy Ghost the truth is woven into the very fibre and sinews of the body so that it cannot be forgotten” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:48).

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should make ourselves worthy to receive this special messenger and witness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Discussion

•     Why is the Holy Ghost necessary? Read again the statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith.

•     Encourage the members to tell how they felt when the Holy Ghost bore witness to them of the truthfulness of the gospel.

Additional Scriptures

•     Moses 5 (story of Adam’s family)

•     2 Nephi 31:21 (Holy Ghost identified)

•     Moroni 10:6–7 (Holy Ghost will witness of Jesus Christ)

•     John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:13; Luke 12:12; D&C 8:2–3; D&C 11:12–13; D&C 20:26 (Holy Ghost as comforter, teacher, testator of Christ, guide to all truth, revelator, companion, leader, guide, source of inspiration)

function docSynch()
{
if (top.JSTrace != null)
{
top.JSTrace(top.TraceIt, this.name, this.location, “docSynch”, “Entered”);
}
var current_document = top.getCurrentDocument(false);
var contents_window = top.frameExists(“contents”);
// whack any leading slash character
if (current_document.charAt(0) == “/”)
{
current_document = current_document.substring(1);
}
if (current_document != “”)
{
current_document = escape(current_document);
if ((contents_window) && (contents_window.synchronize))
{
contents_window.synchronize(current_document);
}
}
}
if (top.JSTrace != null)
{
docSynch();
top.JSTrace(top.TraceIt, this.name, this.location, “docSynch”, “Exited”);
}