The Restored Gospel & Christian History Lesson 5 & 6

Just finished a weekend of General Conference listening to the talks from our prophets, seers and revelators.

I am always inspired when I listen to our modern-day prophets speak the will of the Lord, and this weekend again, I felt the Holy Ghost testify to me that the messages are true.

We need prophets to guide us, teach us and correct us. This week's institute's lesson again reaffirmed to me the need for prophets, and why apostasy followed when ancient prophets were killed.

Matthew 24: 9 -13 says,

"9. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all            nations for my name’s sake.
10. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

In ancient times there was a price to be paid when you supported a prophet or christianity.

We learned of Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, responsible for many christian conversions. He was captured by the Romans integrated, threatened to be thrown to wild beasts, and burned at the stake for not renouncing his faith.

While my account is very brief, Polycarp was a man of courage who defended his faith in God, and would not deny God. He was burned at the stake and he said, " God's will be done," (www.christianitytoday.com

How will you and I follow the prophets, and apply their messages to our lives without being ashamed? 

I can improve on how I righteously defend my faith by living the gospel principles, knowing the doctrine, and following the prophets. 

In class we were asked, How will you approach the messages of General Conference differently? What are some personal goals you could make for yourself to ensure you take advantage of the restoration of the apostleship?

My thoughts were to recognize that priesthood authority & power have been restored to the earth, and we have prophets today. When I listen to our apostles speak, I can remember they speak the will of God. I can be mindful of the duty and responsibility they hold. I can prepare to hear the messages both as they are spoken, and to study, ponder and apply their messages. Be prayerful, and enjoy hearing their words. I feel comfort, and the presence of the Holy Ghost as I listen, and read their messages. It is a sense of refuge for me, and I often receive personal revelation as I make the effort to hear them speak. Making sure I am free from distraction so my heart and mind can pay attention.

Below is a picture of the Apostles, Prophets, Seers and Revelators called in our day. 

First Presidency

The Twelve Apostles

For more information: www.lds.org

The Restored Gospel and christian History Lesson 3 & 4

Lesson 2 I learn about the Apostasy, why it happened, and how I can avoid personal Apostasy.

The Doctrinal Mastery Core Document says,

              "The need for the latter-day Restoration of God's truths, priesthood authority,
                and Church arose because of apostasy. Apostasy occurs when one or more
                individuals turn away from the truths of the gospel."

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrinal-mastery-core-document/doctrinal-topics.p70?lang=eng

I would like to point out that it is when the individual turns away from God, God does not turn away from us even when we sin. His love endures all. We may become offended, or question God's commandments, doctrine or a prophet's counsel. Perhaps we suffer from selective obedience.

A talk that impressed me on obedience is from April 2014 conference called, "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments" by Elder Robert D. Hales. He discusses the types of obedience and one of them is "selective obedience". He says:

"At times members may participate in “selective obedience,” claiming to love God and honor God while picking and choosing which of His commandments and teachings— and the teachings and counsel of His prophets—they will fully follow. Some obey selectively because they cannot perceive all the reasons for a commandment, just as children do not always understand the reasons for their parents’ counsel and rules. But we always know the reason we follow the prophets, for this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and it is the Savior who directs His prophets in all dispensations. As our understanding of obedience deepens, we recognize the essential role of agency. When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed three times to His Father in Heaven, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” God would not override the Savior’s agency, yet He mercifully sent an angel to strengthen His Beloved Son."

It is our covenants that protect us from personal apostasy. When we are keeping our covenants, the promises we have made to the Lord, we have His spirit with us, and we are becoming like Him.

President Russell M. Nelson said something profound I have been pondering for a few days. In his talk "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives" April 2017

"We also increase the Savior’s power in our lives when we make sacred covenants and keep those covenants with precision. Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power. As faithful disciples, we repent and follow Him into the waters of baptism. We walk along the covenant path to receive other essential ordinances. And gratefully, God’s plan provides for those blessings to be extended to ancestors who died without an opportunity to obtain them during their mortal lives"

Our covenants, covenants the Lord is willing to make with us, "will bind us to Him." Can you think of any other way that we are linked to Him other than through covenant. We must not turn away from the Lord, and be watchful of how we act, not criticizing, or being in contempt or willfully rebellious against truth.

I have felt the power of keeping my covenants with the Lord in my life. I feel greater peace and I know my Savior, Jesus Christ, is eager to assist me through the challenges of life. Giving up or thinking it is all too difficult to manage is listening to a voice that wants us to fail. If we reach out to the Savior when we need help He will help us.

The Restored Gospel and Christian History Lesson 1 & 2

Starting a new course called The Restored Gospel and Christian History". I am looking forward to learn from the early saints, prophets, and the Holy Ghost this semester.  Brother Matthews had us read from the Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge section in the beginning of our Study Journals. It starts out by saying:
                       "Because our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to progress toward
                        becoming like Him, He has encouraged us to "seek learning, even by study
                        and also by faith" (D&C 88:11)"

What I learn from this is, our Heavenly Father wants to teach us and we can trust "Him and rely on His wisdom, His love, and His power to teach and bless us."

In order for us to learn by the spirit there are certain conditions that are more favourable to learn by the Holy Ghost and learn spiritual things.

1. Act in Faith

"We act in faith when we choose to trust God and turn to Him first through sincere prayer, a study of His teachings, and obedience to His commandments."
It has been my experience that we must prepare to learn, and act upon the promptings which we will get. As I study the scriptures, I may receive promptings to act or to work on a character flaw maybe even call a friend, and it is these acts that my Heavenly Father has tutored me to become more like Him. I have a long way to go, but I feel closer to the Lord, and come to know His character through service. Our Savior, Jesus Christ teaches us through active learning.

2. Examine Concepts and Questions with an Eternal Perspective

I don't know everything, and I enjoy learning more about the doctrines and principles of the gospel. I am ok with not knowing the big whys to life's questions. "To examine doctrinal concepts, questions, and social issues with an eternal perspective, we consider them in the context of the plan of salvation and the teachings of the Savior."
This is a good way to judge a principle or a worldly believe, how does it fit in alignment to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, His prophets and the Plan of Salvation.

3. Seek Further Understanding through Divinely Appointed Sources

What I was most impressed with as I read this section was how the Lord has prepared the way for us to learn and progress in a safe way here on earth.

"As part of the Lord's appointed process for obtaining spiritual knowledge, He has established sources through which He reveal truth and guidance to His children. These sources include the light of Christ, the Holy ghost, the scriptures, parents and Church leaders. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles-the Lord's prophets upon the earth today-are a vital source for truth. The Lord has chosen and ordained these individuals to speak for Him."

I thought of the many people who have encouraged me and help me guide my way through challenges while gaining and strengthening my testimony. Parents, leaders, scriptures, and words of the living prophets have our BEST interest at heart. We may know people who say something that we feel isn't quite right or we may not know their intentions. The Savior has put people in our midst that we can trust their counsel. The prophets teach us correct principles, and encourage us along the way. Preaching repentance, (we need that message) and teaching us to obey the commandments. These consistent messages will help guide us on our journey here, and build our faith in Jesus Christ. This is the goal to become like Him.

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 21- The Prophetic Mission of Joseph Smith & Lesson 22 - The Prophetic Mission of Joseph Smith

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 19 - The Doctrine of the Eternal Family & Lesson 20 Plural Marriage

"THE FAMILY is ordained of God." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Doctrine & Covenants 49:15-17

14 And whoso doeth this shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, by the laying on of the hands of the elders of the church.

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.

The earth's purpose for man to have a place to fulfill the purposes of God. The plan was given in the pre-mortal life.

Scriptures to Study

Doctrine & Covenants 101:32-33, 59:18, Moses 1:39, Abraham 3:25

Twain - implies seperation

Genesis 2:24

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

We have a dependency on our parents and when we get married we should then depend on each other. Husband and Wife

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“The subject of marriage is debated across the world, where various arrangements exist for conjugal living. My purpose in speaking out on this topic is to declare, as an Apostle of the Lord, that marriage between a man and a woman is sacred—it is ordained of God. I also assert the virtue of a temple marriage. It is the highest and most enduring type of marriage that our Creator can offer to His children.

“While salvation is an individual matter, exaltation is a family matter. …

“… To qualify for eternal life, we must make an eternal and everlasting covenant with our Heavenly Father [see D&C 132:19]. This means that a temple marriage is not only between husband and wife; it embraces a partnership with God [see Matthew 19:6]” (“Celestial Marriage,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 92–93).

Lesson 20 was on Plural Marriage and I learned more about what was happening in the history of the church during this time and while I do not profess I understand all things, I support and sustain the Lord's prophet with the thought that I can know for myself what I am asked to do is right and true. 

"Marriage between one man and one woman is the Lord’s law unless He commands otherwise (see Jacob 2:27–30). The Prophet Joseph Smith was commanded to restore the practice of plural marriage, which was practiced in the Church for over half a century until President Wilford Woodruff was inspired by the Lord to discontinue the practice. Plural marriage was a significant test of faith for Joseph Smith and most who practiced it. As students exercise faith, they can come to know that the practice of plural marriage in the latter days was part of the Restoration of all things."

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 17 - Gospel Teachings in Nauvoo & Lesson 18 - The Relief Society & the Church

The main focus of our lesson was on the Relief Society and I am grateful to be a member of this inspired "relief" society. Once the priesthood was restored, the Lord organized the sisters.

“Relief Society prepares women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase their faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and help those in need” (“The Purpose of Relief Society,” lds.org/callings/relief-society/purposes). This lesson will help students better understand the establishment of the Relief Society and its purposes. Students will also see that women have great opportunities and responsibilities in building God’s kingdom that are unique to them.

A video on the Relief Society organization

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/relief-society?lang=eng

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985), and ask a student to read it aloud:

“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 222–23).

• Do you know any women who exemplify happiness in righteous living?   
• How have they made a difference in the lives of those who know them?
• 
  
   I have been blessed to know many good women in and outside of the church. In all walks and stages of life I have been surrounded by righteous women. My mother was my first example who exemplified love, acceptance, kindness, and always believed people deserve many chances. She taught me the spirit of service. In the temple where I serve I am surrounded by my friends, my sisters who serve the Lord with love and each Sunday in whatever calling I have had I am able to serve and be served by sisters who struggle in life but are sustained through the strength and power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. My daughter each of them have qualities that exemplify the Savior. Caitlynn is a loyal friend, and always thinking of others, Hailey has a kind heart and loves to serve her friends and family always thinking of the other person instead of herself, and Amber is tender heart and has the diligence to overcome challenges. I admire all of their faith.

Foundations of the Restoration Lesson 15 - Strength amid Opposition & Lesson 16 - Redemption of the Dead

I was away for this lesson. However, early in the week I felt impressed to visit Amber and Hailey in Rexburg. I knew that Amber was struggling and as I prayed I felt strongly that I needed to go and visit and let her know that I love her. More importantly that the Lord loves her. I was able to talk with her, hug her and let her know that no matter what I love her. I don't know exactly what I accomplished, but I felt at peace. Hailey was so kind to allow me to stay at her apartment and have her bed while she stayed on a air mattress on the floor. I am thankful for her kindness. Caitlynn, Hailey and Amber have taught me so much in my life. It is because of them that I learn more about who I am as a person, and to improve in ways I would not have if I was not their mother. Each of their unique circumstances brings me to my knees to petition my Father in Heaven for guidance. After all, they are His children and has given me this opportunity to be their Mom. Oh how I love the Plan of Salvation that allows us to experience this earth life. To my daughters, I love you and I am so grateful for each of you. Thank-you for the joy you have brought to my life.

I have complete the readings for this lesson and wanted to include some of my favorite quotes from this week's study.

If we are humble, the Lord will lead us and give us answers to our prayers. The Lord requires that we sustain those leaders who hold the keys to preside over the Church.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“By definition, trials will be trying. There may be anguish, confusion, sleepless nights, and pillows wet with tears. But our trials need not be spiritually fatal. They need not take us from our covenants or from the household of God. …

“Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, as we remain faithful during the fiery trial of our faith, we are spiritually refined and strengthened” (“Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 41–42).

Lesson 16 Redemption of the Dead

What is the provision in God’s plan for those people who died (or die) without the opportunity to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ or the ordinance of baptism? 

All people who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have received this knowledge if they had heard it, will inherit the celestial kingdom.

When have you been comforted by this doctrine? 

When my father passed away, I felt an urgency to get his work completed in the temple, and I know that my father has accepted the gospel. A witness has been given to me too sacred to write in a blog, nevertheless, I have received a witness, and I am grateful to the Lord for providing a way for everyone to accept the gospel.

Read Doctrine & Covenants 127, 128 and 138

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“As members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel. ‘They without us should not be made perfect’ (Hebrews 11:40; see also Teachings: Joseph Smith, 475). And ‘neither can we without our dead be made perfect’ (D&C 128:15)” (“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 25).