November 16, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 38: Be of Good Cheer
Here is the link to my sunday school lesson that I will be teaching to the twelve and thirteen year old teens in my ward.
In our premortal life we shouted for joy because of the opportunity to progress to our second estate (see Job 38:4, 7). We were aware that during mortality we would experience sorrow, pain, disappointment, problems, and trials, as well as happiness and joy. With all this knowledge we felt peace and security, because we knew that our Father in Heaven would always be mindful of us. Help class members see Christ’s admonition to “be of good cheer” as a reminder that, regardless of our circumstances, we can find peace and joy in life.
Jenny Hatch
The Natural Family Company
Healthy Families Make A Healthy World!
The Natural Family BLOG
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 3:59 AM
November 2, 2008
Sunday School Lessons 36, 37, and 38
Here are the links to the sunday school lessons I have taught to the 12 and 13 year olds in my ward these past few weeks. Todays lesson has been taught over the past two weeks, as so much material about Moral Cleanliness had to be covered. The teens in my class handled the uncomfortable information really well, although it is always difficult to discuss sexual morality with a combined group of girls and boys at this tender age. I'm planning to share this talk with them today, The Message: You Promised by Elder M. Russell Ballard.
Quotes from the article:
"We understand the struggles you face every day in keeping the commandments of the Lord. The battle for your souls is increasingly fierce. The adversary is strong and cunning. However, you have within your physical body the powerful spirit of a son or daughter of God. Because He loves you and wants you to come home to Him, our Father in Heaven has given you a conscience that tells your spirit when you are keeping the Lord’s commandments and when you are not. If you will pay more attention to your spiritual self, which is eternal, than to your mortal self, which is temporary, you can always resist the temptations of Satan and conquer his efforts to take you into his power.
You must be honest with yourself and remain true to the covenants you have made with God. Do not fall into the trap of thinking you can sin a little and it will not matter. Remember, “the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (D&C 1:31).
Some young men and women in the Church talk openly about sexual transgression. They seem to forget that the Lord forbids all sexual relations before marriage, including petting, sex perversion of any kind, or preoccupation with sex in thought, speech, or action. Some youth foolishly rationalize that it is “no big deal” to sin now because they can always repent later when they want to go to the temple or on a mission. Anyone who does that is breaking promises made to God both in the premortal life and in the waters of baptism.
The idea of sinning a little is self-deception. Sin is sin! Sin weakens you spiritually, and it always places the sinner at eternal risk. Choosing to sin, even with the intent to repent, is simply turning away from God and violating covenants.
Gratefully, many of you young men honor your priesthood and many young women “stand for truth and righteousness” as stated in the Young Women’s motto. We commend you for your fidelity and integrity."
Here is a video of one of Elder Ballards conference talks. It remains one of my all time favorite talks ever given in conference:
Families can be together forever
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:09 AM
September 28, 2008
Sunday School Lesssons 34 and 35: Forgiving Others and Give yourself away
I taught a lesson on Forgiving others last week, and this morning I will teach a lesson Titled Give Yourself Away.
"Charity, the pure love of Christ, involves a desire to serve. For us to become more Christlike, each of us must be willing to serve others. Jesus taught, “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27). Help class members understand that they have the ability to serve, and encourage them to look for opportunities to help others."
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:08 AM
September 13, 2008
Sunday School Lessons #32 and #33
The Worth of a soul is the lesson I taught last week, and the lesson I will teach tomorow is Love Thy Neighbor.
I used Jeffrey Hollands wonderful talk of Souls, Symbols, and Sacraments in my lesson last week. Here is the link.
QUOTES:
"It is peculiar to the theology of the Latter-day Saints that we regard the body as an essential part of the soul. Read your dictionaries, the lexicons, and encyclopedias, and you will find that nowhere [in Christianity], outside of the Church of Jesus Christ, is the solemn and eternal truth taught that the soul of man is the body and the spirit combined."
[CR, October 1913, p. 117]
"So partly in answer to why such seriousness, we answer that one toying with the God-given--and satanically coveted--body of another, toys with the very soul of that individual, toys with the central purpose and product of life, "the very key" to life, as Elder Boyd K. Packer once called it. In trivializing the soul of another (please include the word body there), we trivialize the Atonement that saved that soul and guaranteed its continued existence. And when one toys with the Son of Righteousness, the Day Star himself, one toys with white heat and a flame hotter and holier than the noonday sun. You cannot do so and not be burned. You cannot with impunity "crucify Christ afresh" (see Hebrews 6:6)".
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:10 PM
August 29, 2008
Sunday School Lessons: Work and Attitudes make a difference!
Here are the links to my two sunday school lessons.
Your attitude makes a difference!
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:26 PM
August 17, 2008
Sunday School Lessons 28 and 29
Here are links to my sunday school lessons:
I taught Lesson 28 Remeber the Sabbath Day to keep it holy last week.
And I will be teaching Lesson 29: Paying Tithing with the right attitude this morning.
Jenny Hatch
It always cracks me up to watch mormon kids try to look tough. Here is Allison with one of her best friends at camp.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:15 AM
August 3, 2008
Sunday School Lessons 26 and 27
The Wisdom in the Word of Wisdom
And the lesson I am going to teach this afternoon:
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:28 AM
July 26, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 25: Controlling our Anger
Here is a link to the lesson I taught last sunday:
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:24 AM
Sunday School Lesson 24: Self Mastery
Here is the link to the lesson I taught to my sunday school class last week:
Note to the teacher
Many youth are concerned most with what they want at the present moment. They may have difficulty thinking about the long-term consequences of their actions. Help class members see that most worthwhile things in life, both temporal and spiritual, can only be achieved by mastering ourselves.
Suggested Lesson Development
Living without Self-Mastery Is Dangerous
Picture discussion
Display the picture of a car (if you do not have a picture, describe such a car). Ask class members:
• Would you like to ride in or drive this car? Why? What do you like about this car?
Allow class members a few moments to comment on the car.
• Would you want to ride in or drive this car if it had no brakes? Why not?
Point out that no matter how beautiful a car is or how good its engine or tires may be, if it does not have brakes it will soon be the cause of an accident. It would be very dangerous to ride in such a car.
Explain that today’s lesson is about something that is as important to our lives as brakes are to a car: self-mastery (also called self-control or self-discipline).
Discussion and quotation
• What do you think self-mastery is?
Allow a few moments for comments, then have a class member read the following statement from Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“You consist of two parts—your physical body, and your spirit which lives within your body. You may have heard the expression ‘mind over matter.’ … I would like to phrase it a little differently: ‘spirit over body.’ That is self-mastery” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 38; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 30).
Explain that self-mastery is the ability of your spirit to control your body, the ability to do what you know you should do even if a part of you does not want to do it. You exercise self-mastery when you do God’s will instead of your own.
• How is a person without self-mastery like a car without brakes? Why is it important to exercise self-mastery?
Self-Mastery Brings Blessings
Scripture discussion
Explain that Jesus taught us that we must be able to master ourselves if we are to be his disciples.
Have class members read and mark Matthew 16:24.
• Why must a person “deny himself [or herself]” to be a follower of Jesus Christ?
Point out that the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 16:24 (see footnote d in the Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible) clarifies that we are to deny ourselves “all ungodliness.” We are to give up unrighteous actions and replace them with righteous ones. Exercising self-mastery involves using our agency to choose to live righteously.
Help class members understand that exercising self-mastery does not mean denying oneself everything that is enjoyable or fun. When we practice self-mastery, we give up some things or experiences in order to receive things or experiences we want more. For example, when we fast, for a time we give up eating, which is enjoyable, in order to receive spiritual strength and growth. On a larger scale, we give up sin (which may sometimes appear enjoyable) in order to have peace of mind and the opportunity to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.
Video presentation and discussion
Show the video segment “The Consequences of Our Choices (The Pump).” Then discuss the following questions:
• How does this man’s experience show the need for self-mastery? (Because he lacked self-mastery, he satisfied his immediate desire instead of preparing for the future.)
• How would his experience have been different if he had exercised self-mastery? (If he had primed the pump before taking a drink, he would have had all the water he needed.)
• How is this man’s decision (whether to drink the water in the bottle or prime the pump with it) comparable to spiritual decisions each of us must make?
We Can Exercise Self-Mastery
Chalkboard discussion
• What are some ways you demonstrate self-mastery? (If class members have difficulty coming up with answers, point out that they show self-mastery when they fast for spiritual strength despite being hungry or when they get up on time even though their bodies want to stay in bed.)
Explain that self-mastery, like other skills, is developed through practice. In some instances, we practice self-mastery simply by doing the desired action each day and thus forming a habit. Self-mastery in other areas, however, may require more effort.
Write the heading Self-Mastery on the chalkboard.
• What actions can help us exercise self-mastery?
List class members’ answers on the chalkboard under Self-Mastery, and discuss each suggestion. You may want to include the following suggestions in the discussion:
1. Work to achieve appropriate goals.
When we recognize areas in our lives that require greater self-mastery, we can set goals with clear achievable steps to help us. For example, if we need greater self-mastery in getting ready for church on time, we can plan what things need to be done on Saturday in order to achieve this goal.
2. Replace bad habits with good ones.
It is easier to break a bad habit if we replace it with a better habit or activity. For example, a person trying to increase self-mastery over procrastination can replace a habit of leaving homework until the last minute with a better habit of doing it at a specific time every day.
3. Ask friends or family members to help.
Sometimes simply telling someone else about a goal we have set or a habit we are trying to develop can motivate us to work harder. Friends and family members can also give us encouragement and assistance as we work to exercise greater self-mastery.
4. Pray and read the scriptures.
When we pray, we can ask Heavenly Father to give us the strength we need to reach our goals or change our habits. As we study the scriptures, we can be guided by the Lord’s counsel and the example of others who have exercised self-mastery, such as Daniel or Joseph of Egypt. If we are receptive to the influence of the Holy Ghost, he can also help us achieve self-mastery.
We Can Accomplish Great Things with Self-Mastery
Story and discussion
Tell in your own words the following story about a man who exercised self-mastery:
“Many years ago [Roger Bannister] participated in the Olympic Games as a champion in the one-mile race. He was supposed to win, but he wound up finishing in fourth place. He went home from the Olympics discouraged, disillusioned, and embarrassed.
“He had his mind set on giving up running. He was a medical student at the time, and his studies were so demanding. He decided that he’d better get on with life and devote all of his time in preparing for medicine and forget his hopes about running the world’s record in the four-minute mile. He went to his coach and told him, ‘Coach, I’m through. I’m going to devote all my time to studying.’ His coach said, ‘Roger, I think you are the man who can break the four-minute mile. I wish you’d give it one last try before you quit.’
“Roger … went home knowing not what to say or to do. But before the night was over, he had convinced himself that he would develop an iron will before he quit running. He was going to break the four-minute mile.
“He knew what this meant. He would have to set a pattern and live by it. He realized he would have to study seven, eight, or even nine hours a day to get through medical school. He would have to train for at least four hours a day. … He knew he would have to eat the best foods. He knew he would have to go to bed early every night and sleep nine or ten hours, to let his body recuperate and constantly build up for the great day. He determined within himself that he was going to follow the rigid pattern he and the coach knew was necessary for victory and achievement.
“On May 6, 1954, the four-minute-mile barrier was broken by Roger Bannister, … a man committed to a winning pattern which would bring him recognition worldwide. … Roger Bannister set the pattern many years ago and followed it with total commitment, self-discipline, and a will of iron” (Marvin J. Ashton, in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 25–26; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 22).
• What did Roger do to exercise self-mastery?
• How might Roger’s life have been different had he not exercised self-mastery?
Personal experiences
Give class members a few minutes to think of examples of how they or someone they know accomplished something that required self-mastery, such as overcoming a handicap or personal problem, learning to play a musical instrument, developing a spiritual gift, developing a sports ability, or achieving a special honor at school. Invite several class members to share their examples, and ask each of these class members the following questions:
• How did you (or the person involved) realize this achievement?
• How much time did it take? How much work and effort were required?
• How do you feel about this achievement? Was it worth the time and effort required?
Remind class members that self-mastery can require hard work, but it also brings great blessings.
Scripture discussion
Read Luke 22:39–46 with class members.
• How did the Savior exercise self-mastery? (He did what Heavenly Father wanted, not what he wanted to do.)
• What were the results of his self-mastery? (He suffered for our sins and made salvation possible for us when we repent.)
Point out that as we develop self-mastery, we develop a greater ability to say, as Jesus did, “Father, … not my will, but thine, be done.”
We Must Decide Now to Master Ourselves
Quotation
Read or have a class member read the following statement:
President David O. McKay urged us to remember that “the greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of your own soul” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1969, 95; or Improvement Era, June 1969, 30).
• What do you think this statement means?
Activity
Give class members pens or pencils and paper and ask them to write down their answers to the following question (assure them that no one else will see their answers):
• What is one thing you can do this week to increase your self-mastery?
Encourage class members to keep their papers in a place where the papers will remind them to work on the action they have written down.
Testimony
Bear your testimony about the rewards you have received as you have learned to master yourself.
Encourage class members to pray for help in exercising self-mastery. Remind them that all the blessings promised to the faithful in the plan of salvation come to those who learn to deny themselves of all ungodliness and follow the Lord.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:28 AM
July 5, 2008
Sunday School Lessons 22 and 23
I don't have time to blog my lessons, so here is the link for last week and here is the link for this week.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:09 AM
June 22, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 21: In Remembrance
To help class members understand the meaning of the sacrament and to encourage them to partake of the sacrament worthily.
Note to the teacher
The sacrament is one of the most important and sacred ordinances of the Church. In partaking of the sacrament we remember our Savior and recommit ourselves to the promises we made at baptism. We take the sacrament so often that sometimes we may forget its significance. Encourage class members to guard against this by preparing always to be worthy to partake of the sacrament and receive the constant companionship of the Spirit.
Suggested Lesson Development
We Must Remember the Importance of the Sacrament
Discussion
Write In Remembrance on the chalkboard, and tell class members that it is the title of the lesson.
• What do you think the topic of the lesson is?
Allow class members a few guesses about the topic of the lesson. If after a few tries they have not given the correct answer, tell them that the lesson is about the sacrament.
Display the pictures Blessing the Sacrament and Passing the Sacrament.
Quotation and discussion
State that many of us have partaken of the sacrament hundreds of times in our lives. When something is repeated this often we sometimes forget its importance.
Read the following statement by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“With so very much at stake, [the sacrament] should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions. As such it should not be rushed. It is not something to ‘get over’ so that the real purpose of a sacrament meeting can be pursued. This is the real purpose of the meeting. And everything that is said or sung or prayed in those services should be consistent with the grandeur of this sacred ordinance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 68).
• Why is the sacrament more important than the announcements, talks, and hymns at sacrament meeting?
• Why do we partake of the sacrament each week?
Write class members’ responses on the chalkboard.
Have class members think back to the last time they partook of the sacrament. Ask them to think silently about the answers to the following questions:
• What are some of the things you thought about the last time you partook of the sacrament? Did those thoughts help you draw nearer to the Savior, or did they distract you from the real purpose of the sacrament?
We Partake of the Sacrament to Remember the Savior’s Atonement
Scripture discussion
• Why would a lesson about the sacrament be called “In Remembrance”?
Have class members read and mark Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79.
• What does the sacramental bread represent? What does the sacramental water represent? Why is it important to remember the body and blood of the Savior?
Note to the teacher
If class members ask questions about the use of the word wine in verse 77, explain that when Joseph Smith received the revelation found in section 20, wine was used in the sacramental service. Later the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that water should be used (see D&C 27:1–4).
Quotation
Display the picture Jesus Praying in Gethsemane.
Testify that Heavenly Father loved us enough to send his Son to atone for our sins. Share the following statement by Elder Melvin J. Ballard, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to show how the sacrament reminds us of that love and to show why we should remember the Savior’s Atonement when we partake of the sacrament:
“It is written in the scriptures that God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son to die for the world, that whosoever believeth on him … and keepeth his commandments, shall be saved. But this [sacrifice] did not cost us very much—freely given are all these glorious privileges. …
“… While we give nothing, perhaps, for this atonement and this sacrifice, nevertheless, it has cost someone something, and I love to contemplate what it cost our Father in heaven to give us the gift of his beloved Son, … who so loved the world that he laid his life down to redeem the world, to save us and to feed us spiritually while we walk in this life, and prepare us to go and dwell with him in the eternal worlds. …
“Our Father in heaven … loved his Son Jesus Christ, … for [he] had with him his Son, our Redeemer, in the eternal worlds, faithful and true for ages. … God heard the cry of his Son in that moment of great grief and agony, in the garden when … he cried out: ‘Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me.’ …
“… He saw that Son condemned, he saw him drag the cross through the streets of Jerusalem and faint under its load. … He saw [Jesus’] body stretched out upon the wooden cross, he saw the cruel nails driven through hands and feet, and the blows that broke the skin, tore the flesh … and let out the life’s blood of his Son. …
“In that hour I think I can see our dear Father, … his great heart almost breaking for the love that he had for his Son. Oh, in that moment when he might have saved his Son, I thank him and praise him that he did not fail us, for he had not only the love of his Son in mind, but he had love for us, and I rejoice that he did not interfere, and that his love for us made it possible for him to endure to look upon the sufferings of his Son and give him finally to us, our Savior and our Redeemer. …
“… My brethren and sisters, … if I only knew how essential it was … that I should receive the spiritual life that comes from that Son, I am sure I would always be present at the sacrament table to do honor to the gift that has come unto us” (“The Sacramental Covenant,” Improvement Era, Oct. 1919, 1028–31).
We Partake of the Sacrament to Renew Our Covenants
Discussion
• People often say that when we partake of the sacrament we “renew our covenants.” What does this mean?
Make sure class members understand that renew means to make new again and that covenants are promises between us and our Heavenly Father. Explain that the sacrament gives us the chance to renew the covenants we made when we were baptized.
Chalkboard and scripture discussion
• According to Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79, what promises do we make when we partake of the sacrament?
Erase the chalkboard. On the left-hand side, list the promises class members mention. Answers should include the following:
We promise to:
1. Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.
2. Always remember him.
3. Keep his commandments.
Refer to lesson 13, in which you discussed the baptismal covenant, and have class members review Doctrine and Covenants 20:37.
• What aspects of this verse are like the promises on the chalkboard?
1. Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ: “Willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ.”
2. Always remember him: “Having a determination to serve him to the end.”
3. Keep his commandments: “Truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ.”
• What is promised to us if we keep the covenants we have made? (See D&C 20:77.)
On the right-hand side of the chalkboard, write Always have his Spirit to be with us.
Referring to the list on the chalkboard, ask the following questions:
• How will our lives change if we remember Jesus in everything we do?
• Why is obedience to the commandments necessary for us to have the Holy Ghost with us? Why do we need his constant companionship?
We Must Partake of the Sacrament Worthily
Scripture discussion
Tell class members that when Jesus visited the Nephites after his Resurrection, he taught them about the sacrament. Have class members read 3 Nephi 18:1–11 and mark words they think are important.
• Which words did you mark? Why are those words important?
• How many times is the word filled used in these eleven verses? (Four times.) In what way do you think those who partook of the sacrament were filled? (See 3 Nephi 20:8–9. They were filled with the Spirit.) How can we prepare to be filled spiritually when we partake of the sacrament? How can we make partaking of the sacrament each week a more meaningful experience?
• Why did Jesus call the disciples “blessed” after they had partaken of the sacrament? (See 3 Nephi 18:10.)
Point out that he called them blessed because by taking the sacrament they had witnessed that they were willing to keep the commandments. We make the same commitment when we partake of the sacrament, and we will also be blessed for keeping that commitment.
Explain that the Apostle Paul talked about the importance of partaking of the sacrament worthily. Point out that being worthy to partake of the sacrament does not mean being perfect. To partake of the sacrament worthily, we must be doing our very best to keep the covenants we have made—to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember him, and keep the commandments.
Have class members read and mark 1 Corinthians 11:28–30.
• What are the consequences of partaking of the sacrament unworthily? In what ways might partaking of the sacrament unworthily make us “weak and sickly”?
• What did Paul say we should do to ensure that we partake of the sacrament worthily? How can we “examine [ourselves]” spiritually?
Quotation
Read the following statement that Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles made to the youth of the Church:
“My dear young friends, I encourage you to take time each week to be by yourself, away from television and the crowd. Have your scriptures with you, and as you read, ponder, and pray, take an honest look at your life. Evaluate where you stand with the promises you have made with Heavenly Father. If you have a problem, talk it over with the Lord in earnest and humble prayer. Counsel with your parents; they will help you. Your bishop and your Young Men and Young Women adult leaders will help. They love you and want you to be at peace with yourself so you can partake of the sacrament worthily each week. When all is said and done, however, only you know if you are living true to your covenants made with God” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1993, 7; or Ensign, May 1993, 8).
Testimony
Remind class members that the sacrament gives us the chance to review and remake the covenants we made at baptism. Bear your testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and express your gratitude for the sacrament.
Encourage class members to partake of the sacrament worthily and to think about the Savior while partaking of the sacrament.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:00 AM
June 13, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 19: Patriarchal Blessings
Here is the link to my lesson, taught last sunday. And this is the link to my lesson for this sunday....
I'm too busy this week to blog them properly!
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:32 AM
June 3, 2008
Sunday School Lesson #18: Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Here is the Sunday School Lesson I taught last sunday. We had a nice spirit filled discussion about being members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Jenny Hatch
Note to the teacher:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on the earth. As members of the Church, we learn the gospel, receive saving ordinances, and make covenants related to those ordinances. Remind class members that the Church provides us with opportunities to grow and to serve with fellowship, support, and inspiration. The mission of this divinely revealed organization is to invite all people to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
Suggested Lesson Development
The True Church of Jesus Christ
Discussion
• Often in testimony meetings Latter-day Saints say that they know the Church is true. What does this mean?
After class members have discussed this question, read the following statement:
“The church is the organized body of believers who have taken upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ by baptism and confirmation. To be the true church it must be the Lord’s church, and must have his laws, his name, and be governed by him through representatives whom he has appointed” (Bible Dictionary, “Church,” 645).
Testify that although other churches teach some truths and do many good things, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church on the earth because it is the only church that has the complete gospel of Jesus Christ and the priesthood authority to perform ordinances in the name of Jesus Christ. It is Jesus’ Church. It has his name and his law, and it is led by his appointed representatives. Express your gratitude for Joseph Smith, the prophet through whom the Lord restored the true Church.
Scripture
Tell class members that Jesus Christ himself testified that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Have class members read and mark Doctrine and Covenants 1:30.
The Church Strengthens and Unites Us
Story and discussion
Show the drawing of flying geese found at the end of the lesson (page 104).
• Some birds, like geese, migrate to different climates for summer and winter. Why do you think geese fly together in a V-formation when they migrate?
Relate the following in your own words:
Scientists have studied why geese fly in a V-formation when they migrate, and they have found that flying this way is easier on the birds than flying alone. The first bird must fly against the full strength of the wind, but each succeeding bird in the formation has less air resistance to push against. Since the birds take turns being the leader (and having the hardest flight), they can fly longer without getting tired. The geese also honk to encourage each other to keep going.
When a goose gets sick or wounded and has to land, two other geese land with it. They stay with the injured bird until it dies or gains enough strength to fly again. Then they catch up with their flock. (Adapted from Harvey O. Bennett’s address to Phi Theta Kappa, 5 May 1990. Used by permission of the Los Angeles County Office of Education.)
• How is the V-formation of the geese like the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? How are we, as members of the Church, like the individual geese that fly in the formation?
The Mission of the Church
Teacher presentation
Explain that the Church is the organization through which the Lord accomplishes his purposes. Through the Church, truth is taught and people are united in love and in their desire to serve the Lord.
Quotations and chalkboard discussion
• How does the Church help us receive the blessings of the plan of salvation?
After class members have had a chance to share some of their ideas, read the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson, thirteenth President of the Church:
“The mission of the Church is glorious—to invite all of us to come unto Christ through proclaiming the gospel, perfecting our lives, and redeeming our dead”(in Conference Report, Apr. 1988, 98; or Ensign, May 1988, 85).
Write on the chalkboard Proclaiming the Gospel.
• Why is it important to preach the gospel? (See 2 Nephi 2:6–8; D&C 123:12.)
You may want to invite class members whose family members have served or are serving full-time missions to talk about the blessings that come through proclaiming the gospel.
• How can we help proclaim the gospel even though we are not full-time missionaries?
Write on the chalkboard Perfecting Our Lives.
• What are some of the ordinances we need to gain exaltation? (For some examples, see John 3:3–5; Acts 2:38; D&C 131:1–4.)
• What are the basic principles of the gospel? (See 3 Nephi 27:13–20; Articles of Faith 1:4.)
• How do priesthood ordinances, covenants, and instruction in gospel principles help us progress toward perfection?
Testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only church where we can receive priesthood ordinances, make covenants with the Lord, and be instructed in the fulness of the gospel.
Write on the chalkboard Redeeming Our Dead.
• How do we help redeem the dead? (By doing work in the temple, such as being baptized for the dead, and by doing work in family history to find the names of ancestors who need to receive ordinances through temple work.)
• Why is it important to do temple work for the dead? (See D&C 128:15.)
• How can doing temple work for the dead help us grow spiritually?
To conclude the discussion, read the following statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley, fifteenth President of the Church:
“We are all in this great endeavor together. We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, ‘to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man’ (Moses 1:39). Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 94; or Ensign, May 1995, 71).
• How does it make you feel to know that you can “assist [Heavenly] Father in His work and His glory”? How might this knowledge change the way we serve in the Church?
Activity
Erase the words you have written on the chalkboard, and tell class members that you are going to test their memories. Give each of them one of the envelopes you have prepared. Then have each of them organize their wordstrips to display the mission of the Church. Class members will soon find that they cannot fulfill that assignment with the wordstrips they have in their envelopes. When they have discovered this, tell them that they will have to work together. Invite them to share their wordstrips with each other until each person can display the mission of the Church. When they have completed the exercise, ask the following questions:
• How is this exercise like membership in the Church? (We need to work together to fulfill the mission of the Church. We need each other’s help.)
• What can we do to work together more effectively to fulfill the mission of the Church?
Being True to the Church
Story
Share the following experience of a young Latter-day Saint doctor:
“I did not realize how much the Church had done for me until I left my home and went to study at a large medical university. I feared I could not keep up with the other students. There were only four Mormons in the entire class, but we all soon found out that we had an advantage over most of the others because of the opportunities the Church had given us. We were not afraid to stand in front of our classes and give reports. We could work well with our classmates and teachers because we had taken part in Church activities that had given us these skills. We did well in our studies because we had learned that help is always near, through prayer.
“We discovered, too, how much we meant to each other. We were suddenly among people with many different beliefs and ways of life, and it was important to us to have friends who believed as we did, friends who knew the way our Father in Heaven wants us to live. We did not want to follow the temptations of the world, and we needed each other.
“I am so grateful for all the Church has done for me as a person, when I didn’t even know that it was happening” (in Walk in His Ways: Basic Manual for Children, Part A [1982], 76).
Discussion
• How has the Church helped you?
• How can we show that membership in the Church is important to us?
Quotation
Ask class members to think about what their words and actions say about their feelings about the Church. Then read the following statement by President Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church:
“
My standing in the Church is worth more to me than this life—ten thousand times. For in this I have life everlasting”(quoted by Joseph Fielding Smith, in The Progress of Man [1964], 450).
Testimony
After reading President Smith’s testimony, bear your own testimony about the importance of the Church in your life.
Encourage class members to look for ways they can participate in the mission of the Church, and encourage them to show by their words and actions that they are thankful to be members of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
Enrichment Activities
You may want to use one or more of these activities during the lesson.
1. Drop a pebble into a bucket of water. Help class members see that the pebble, though small, creates ripples in the water that extend out to the edges of the bucket.
• How is this like our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (Just as the pebble affects the water all around it, we can affect many people around us by serving faithfully in the Church.)
2. If Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Video Presentations (53912) is available, show “Organization of the Church,” an eight-minute segment.
3. Tell class members that the establishment of the Church on the earth in the last days was prophesied by an Old Testament prophet. Then read or tell the following story, which is from Daniel 2:
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had a dream and was troubled because he did not know its meaning. When his magicians and sorcerers could not relate the dream or interpret it, the king was angry and commanded that they be killed. But then Daniel, a captive Hebrew who had found favor with the king, stated that if the king would give him time, he would reveal and interpret the dream.
Daniel went to his house and asked God for help, and God revealed to him the dream and its interpretation. Later, in the presence of King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel said that God could reveal secrets and make dreams known and understood. He said that the king had dreamed of a great image. The head of the image was gold, the breast and arms were silver, the belly and thighs were brass, and the legs were iron. The feet were made of a mixture of iron and clay. A stone cut out of a mountain without hands hit the image at the feet, breaking it to pieces. Daniel said, “The stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35).
Daniel also gave the interpretation of the dream. The head of gold represented King Nebuchadnezzar and his powerful kingdom. Lesser kingdoms that were to follow and that would eventually become weak were represented by the other parts of the image. But in the last days “the God of heaven [would] set up a kingdom, which [would] never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). That kingdom—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—was represented in the dream by the stone (see D&C 65:2).
Have class members read and mark Daniel 2:44–45.
Display the picture Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream (62531; Gospel Art Picture Kit 115), and discuss the parts of the picture.
• Which kingdom will consume all other kingdoms? (See Daniel 2:44; D&C 65:2).
• How long will that kingdom stand? (See Daniel 2:44.)
• How is Daniel’s prophecy being fulfilled today? How are we a part of the fulfillment of the prophecy?
Read the following statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley:
“The little stone which was cut out of the mountain without hands is rolling forth to fill the earth (see D&C 65:2). What a wonderful thing it is to be a part of this growing kingdom of our Lord. There are no political boundaries separating the hearts of the children of God, regardless of where they may live. We are all of one great family. We are sons and daughters of God. We are engaged in the service of His Beloved Son. He is our Redeemer and our Savior, and a testimony of this truth burns within our hearts. Each is entitled to such a testimony of this work. It is an individual knowledge of great fundamental truths that binds us together into what we call the church and kingdom of God”(in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 3; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 4–5).
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:13 PM
May 24, 2008
Sunday School Lesson #17: We thank thee oh God for a Prophet
Jenny Hatch
Here is the text to my sunday school lesson for tomorow.
We Thank thee oh God for a Prophet
Note to the teacher
The Lord in his love and wisdom has called prophets to guide us and help us meet the challenges of our time. It is a blessing to know that the counsel we receive from the prophet is the same as if it came directly from the Lord. Emphasize to class members the importance of having a living prophet today. We sustain all the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, but this lesson focuses on the President of the Church, the Lord’s spokesman on the earth.
Messages Come from the Lord through the Prophet
Story and discussion
Read or tell the following story:
Many years ago, before there was a temple on the island of Tahiti, 30 Tahitian members of the Church had planned for a long time to make a trip to the Hawaii Temple. They had worked hard to repair a boat and to save the money necessary for their journey. They had also requested and received permission for the journey from their government and from President David O. McKay, who was President of the Church at that time.
Shortly before the voyage was to begin, the Church members who would be making the trip were asked to gather at the mission home for a meeting. There they were informed that a special message had arrived that day from President McKay. He was asking them not to make the trip to Hawaii.
• How would you feel if you had made all these preparations and then you were counseled not to go?
• Would your feelings be different knowing that the prophet of God had asked you to stop the voyage? Why or why not?
Share the conclusion of the story:
The Church members did not understand why they could not make the trip, but they had testimonies that President McKay was a prophet, so they followed his counsel.
A few days later the skipper of the boat the Saints had planned to use received a call from the harbor where the boat was kept. He was told to come quickly because his boat was sinking. When he examined his boat, he found that the repairmen who had been hired earlier had painted over some rotten wood and rusty pipe, which had then broken, causing the boat to sink. If the Church members had begun the trip, the boat would have sunk while they were on their way to Hawaii.
The Church members had accepted the prophet’s counsel without knowing why it was given, but now they understood why they had been advised not to make the journey. They were thankful that they had followed the prophet’s counsel. (See R. Lanier and JoAnn M. Britsch, “A Prophet’s Warning,” New Era, Mar. 1976, 12–14.)
Activity
Display a picture of the current President of the Church.
Hand out copies of the Ensign (or the International Magazines) containing recent conference addresses. You may separate class members into small groups and give a copy to each group, or you may give a copy to each class member. Have class members find talks by the current President of the Church and look for specific things he has counseled us to do.
• What counsel has the Lord recently given us through the prophet?
List class members’ responses on the chalkboard. Testify that just as the people in the story were protected because they followed President David O. McKay, we will be blessed when we follow the counsel of the prophet.
We Can Know That the Prophet Represents God
Story and discussion
• Why is it important to have a testimony that the Lord speaks through the prophet?
Have someone read the following story told by Elder Boyd K. Packer:
“I left the office one Friday afternoon … [and] waited for the elevator to come down from the fifth floor.
“As the elevator doors quietly opened, there stood President Joseph Fielding Smith. There was a moment of surprise in seeing him, since his office is on a lower floor.
“As I saw him framed in the doorway, there fell upon me a powerful witness—there stands the prophet of God. That sweet voice of Spirit … affirmed to me that this was the prophet of God.
“I need not try to define that experience to Latter-day Saints. That kind of witness is characteristic of this church. It is not something reserved to those in high office. It is a witness, not only available but vital, to every member” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 122–23; or Ensign, June 1971, 87).
• How did Elder Packer know that President Smith was the prophet of God?
Emphasize that Elder Packer’s testimony was confirmed by the Holy Ghost, not by the sight of President Smith. As appropriate, tell class members about how you have received the witness of the Holy Ghost that the President of the Church is God’s prophet. Invite class members to tell how they gained a testimony of the prophet.
Chalkboard discussion
• What can we do to receive a witness from the Holy Ghost that the President of the Church is a prophet of God?
List class members’ responses on the chalkboard. Some possible responses include praying, fasting, reading the prophet’s messages, watching or listening to general conference, and following the prophet’s counsel.
The Scriptures Teach Us to Follow the Prophet
Scripture activity
Give each class member a pen or pencil and a copy of the crossword puzzle. (If you did not make copies of the puzzle, draw it on the chalkboard or on a poster, read the questions aloud, and have class members work together to complete the puzzle.) Encourage class members to mark the scripture passages as they read them. Allow enough time for everyone to complete the puzzle. After the class members have finished, read and discuss each completed statement. Below are the completed statements:
Across
1. God reveals his secrets to his servants the prophets. (See Amos 3:7.)
6. The prophet holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven. (See Matthew 16:19.)
7. Those who do not heed the words of the prophets will be cut off. (See D&C 1:14.)
9. We should receive the counsel of the prophet with all patience and faith. (See D&C 21:4–5.)
Down
2. The prophet speaks as prompted by the Holy Ghost. (See D&C 68:3.)
3. We sustain the President of the Church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. A seer knows about the past and about things to come. (See Mosiah 8:17.)
4. The Lord’s voice and the voice of the prophet to the Church are the same. (See D&C 1:38.)
5. The organization of the Church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. (See Ephesians 2:19–20.)
8. The laws of the kingdom (the Church) are given by prophets. (See D&C 58:18.)
“We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet”
Hymn
Explain that William Fowler, a British convert baptized in 1849, was so moved by the thought of a prophet of God living among the people that he wrote the words to the hymn “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” (Hymns,no. 19).
Distribute hymnbooks and have class members sing or read the words to this hymn.
• Why are you thankful to be led by a prophet?
Testimony
Share with class members your testimony of the current President of the Church. Encourage them to follow his counsel.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:16 PM
May 17, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 16: Hold to the Rod
We had a wonderful class last week as we discussed the Principle of Personal Revelation.
I am looking forward to this weeks lesson on the Iron Rod.
Note to the teacher
When we read the scriptures, it is as though we are hearing the Lord speak directly to us (see D&C 18:35–36). Help class members understand that sincere scripture study not only gives us the key to understanding eternal principles but also gives us strength to meet today’s challenges by providing inspiration and answers to our problems. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. That is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study” (“Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, Jan. 1995, 8).
Suggested Lesson Development
“My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures”
Quotation
Have a class member read the following statement by President Harold B. Lee, eleventh President of the Church:
“If there is any one thing most needed in this time of tumult and frustration, when men and women and youth and young adults are desperately seeking for answers to the problems which afflict mankind, it is an ‘iron rod’ as a safe guide along the straight path on the way to eternal life” (Stand Ye in Holy Places [1974], 351).
Scripture discussion
• What could be the “iron rod” to which President Lee referred?
Acknowledge all answers, and then explain that President Lee referred to the iron rod that the prophet Lehi saw in a dream. Display the picture of Lehi’s dream and briefly summarize 1 Nephi 8. Then have class members read 1 Nephi 15:23–24.
• In what ways can the word of God be compared to an iron rod?
• Where can we find the word of God?
List class members’ responses on the chalkboard. If they name only the standard works, have them read Doctrine and Covenants 1:38, and add “teachings of latter-day prophets” to the list. Explain that the scriptures (including the teachings of latter-day prophets, which are considered scripture) contain the word of God to his people (see also D&C 18:34–36; 68:3–4).
Story and discussion
Have a class member read the following story told by President Spencer W. Kimball about some Latter-day Saints who went to war:
“Some of our men were taken prisoner and kept in nearly total isolation. Permitted no access to the scriptures, they later told how they hungered for the words of truth, more than for food, more than for freedom itself. What they would have given for a mere fragment of the Bible or Book of Mormon that lay so idly on our shelves! They learned by hard experience something of Nephi’s feelings when he said:
“ ‘For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
“ ‘Behold, 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 4:15–16)” (“How Rare a Possession—the Scriptures!” Ensign, Sept. 1976, 4).
• Why were the scriptures so important to these men?
Ask class members to consider the answers to the next questions silently:
• How important are the scriptures to you? Do you “delight” in the scriptures?
“I Did Liken All Scriptures unto Us”
Scripture discussion
• Why is it important to read and study the scriptures? (Answers may include because they testify of Christ; because God has commanded us to do so; because they teach us the gospel; because they can help us gain or increase our testimony; because they can help us find solutions to our problems.)
Remind class members of the previous lesson on personal revelation. Explain that we can receive personal revelation through reading and studying the scriptures. The scriptures contain counsel from the Lord that applies to us as well as to the people who first received and recorded that counsel.
Have class members read and mark 1 Nephi 19:23. Have one class member read the verse aloud.
• What does it mean to “liken all scriptures” unto ourselves?
Story and discussion
Read or tell the following story:
Jessi Ramsey was the only teenage girl in the tiny branch of the Church in Sand Point, Alaska. She often felt alone and wondered if she really believed the gospel. She said, “For a while, I’d read the Book of Mormon and never seemed to get anywhere. Satan seemed to be doing all he could to keep me from gaining a testimony.”
Then she had a particularly bad day at school. She had forgotten her lunch, argued with a friend, and been hit by a hockey puck. When she came home, she went to her room to cry.
She explained: “As my tears ceased, I noticed I had left my triple combination on my desk. As I walked over to put it away, it fell open to a page marked by a card. The verses marked in ink caught my eye. I read in Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–11: ‘Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.’
“Suddenly I realized that Christ loved me and I wanted to know him better. I had expected my testimony to be handed to me. I assumed it would be easy. I know now that I have to search, ponder, and pray. … If I have faith, my Savior will help me. …
“That night I decided to start reading the Book of Mormon again. This time, I was committed to finishing it” (Jessi Ramsey, “No Girl Is an Island,” New Era, Mar. 1994, 9).
• How did Jessi “liken [the] scriptures unto [herself]”? How did this help her?
• When have you felt that a scripture you read specifically applied to you? How have the scriptures helped you make a decision or solve a problem?
Give class members a few moments to think about these questions before answering. You may want to share an experience of your own.
Scripture activity
Point out that in the previous story, Jessi found the scripture that helped her just by opening her scriptures. Usually, however, we find answers to questions and solutions to problems by studying and seeking out specific scriptures. (You may want to teach class members how to use the Topical Guide before beginning the following activity. See the first enrichment activity for more information.)
Divide the class into small groups, and give each group a card describing one of the following situations (or another situation applicable to class members). Have the members of each group search the scriptures for verses that could help the person described on their card. (There are many possibilities for each situation. Give class members time to search their scriptures on their own. However, if a group is having trouble finding verses, direct the group to the references listed with the appropriate situation.)
When each group has found at least one applicable scripture, have group members share with the rest of the class the situation on their card and the scriptures they found. Have them explain how those scriptures could help a person in the situation described.
Situation 1
Kent is the only member of the Church in his school. Most of his classmates respect and admire him for living Church standards, but a few students ridicule and harass him.
• What scriptures could help Kent deal with the ridicule and harassment he receives? (Psalm 31:1; 2 Nephi 9:18; D&C 10:5)
Situation 2
Karla has a sister who has become less active. Her parents have spent countless hours trying to love her sister back into the Church. Lately Karla has been tempted to stop going to church so she can get some of the attention her sister is receiving.
• What scriptures might help Karla control these negative thoughts? (Psalm 37:8; Luke 15:11–32; Mosiah 13:20)
Situation 3
During the last few weeks, Heather has had many responsibilities and pressures. She doesn’t seem to have enough time in each day to accomplish everything she needs to do. She finally made a decision not to take on any new responsibilities. Now her bishop has called her to be president of her Beehive class.
• What scriptures might be helpful to Heather? (Matthew 6:33; 1 Nephi 3:7; D&C 4:2; 88:119)
Situation 4
Clark’s friends are planning a party. Part of the entertainment at the party will be a videotape that does not meet the standards of the Church or Clark’s family.
• What scriptures might help Clark make a decision about this party? (1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Nephi 2:27)
Situation 5
Jamie and a friend went shopping. After they left the store, the friend showed Jamie several pencils she had taken. She told Jamie that it was easy to hide them when the store clerk wasn’t looking and that because the pencils were inexpensive, she was not hurting anyone by taking them. She dared Jamie to take something next time they went into the store.
• What scriptures might help Jamie decide what to do? (Exodus 20:15; Alma 27:27; Articles of Faith 1:13)
“Study My Word”
Chalkboard discussion
• Why is it important to study the scriptures every day, not just when we need a specific answer or solution?
• Why do we sometimes have difficulty studying the scriptures every day?
List class members’ answers in a column on the chalkboard.
• What can we do to make scripture study easier and more meaningful for us?
List class members’ responses in a second column on the chalkboard and briefly discuss each one. Accept all answers, but focus on those that correspond with the difficulties listed in the first column. For example, if we have difficulty studying the scriptures because we are too sleepy, we can find another time of day to read.
Calendar activity
Give each class member a pen or pencil and a copy of the calendar grid. Have class members fill in the dates on the calendar, beginning with today.
Encourage class members to read something in the scriptures—even a single verse—every day for one month. Tell them to keep track of their reading by coloring or placing a check mark in the box for each day they read the scriptures. Have them decide right now when and where they will read and write this information on the back of the calendar.
Testimony
Bear testimony of the importance of the scriptures, both to the Church as a whole and to us personally. You may want to share a personal experience in which the scriptures helped you.
Encourage class members to study the scriptures daily and to turn to them for answers to personal questions or solutions to problems.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:09 AM
May 7, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 15: Recognizing Personal Revelation
Here is the text to my lesson for this sunday.
“Divine revelation is one of the grandest concepts and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, man could not know of the things of God and could not be saved with any degree of salvation in the eternities. Continuous revelation from God to his saints, through the Holy Ghost … makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom.”
Note to the teacher
The First Presidency has said, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owes its origin, its existence, and its hope for the future to the principles of continuous revelation” (Church News, 10 Jan. 1970, 12). The prophet receives revelation for the Church as a whole, but each individual can receive revelation for his or her own personal needs. Help class members be aware of the importance of personal revelation in their lives.
Suggested Lesson Development
Revelation Is God’s Way of Communicating with His Children
Activity
Write the letter R on the chalkboard and ask class members what gospel-oriented word it stands for. If class members do not guess Revelation right away, add letters one at a time until class members guess the right word.
Discussion
• What is revelation? (God’s way of communicating with his children on earth.)
Help class members find “Revelation” in the Bible Dictionary (page 762). Ask a class member to read the following excerpt from that section, and suggest that class members mark the excerpt in their own scriptures.
“Divine revelation is one of the grandest concepts and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, man could not know of the things of God and could not be saved with any degree of salvation in the eternities. Continuous revelation from God to his saints, through the Holy Ghost … makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom.”
• Some churches believe that revelation has stopped, that God no longer communicates with his children on earth. Why is it important to know that revelation continues today?
Every Worthy Church Member Has the Right to Receive Personal Revelation
Quotation and discussion
• Who can receive revelation? (You may want to list class members’ responses on the chalkboard.)
Have someone read the following statement from Elder Boyd K. Packer:
“Revelation is not confined to the prophet. It is shared by the General Authorities.
“… Fathers and mothers also may receive inspiration, revelation … to help guide their families. And of course each of us, if we will live for it, may be the recipient of spiritual communications for our own personal guidance” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 135; or Ensign, May 1974, 93).
Explain that every worthy Church member has the right to receive revelation, but each of us is given revelation based on our responsibilities and stewardship.
• Who has the right to receive revelation for the whole Church? (The prophet.)
• For the ward? (The bishop.)
• For the ward Primary? (The ward Primary president.)
• For your family? (Your father and mother.)
• For you individually? (You.)
Emphasize that each class member, if he or she is trying to live righteously, has the right and privilege to receive personal revelation.
Revelation Comes in Many Different Ways
Chalkboard discussion
Explain that the revelations of God come in a variety of ways.
• What are some of the methods God uses to communicate with his children?
List class members’ responses on the chalkboard. As class members mention a method, ask if they can think of an incident in the scriptures or Church history when this method of revelation was used. (Spend only a few minutes on this discussion.)
Answers may include:
1. Heavenly messengers (Moroni’s appearance to Joseph Smith; the angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, the mother of Jesus).
2. Visions and dreams (Moses’ vision of the earth’s creation; Lehi’s dream; Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream; Brigham Young’s dream of Joseph Smith, discussed in lesson 14).
3. Sacred instruments (Lehi’s use of the Liahona for direction; Joseph Smith’s use of the Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon).
4. Inspiration (Oliver Cowdery receiving peace and a testimony through the Holy Ghost; Nephi determining how to obtain the brass plates from Laban).
• Which method of revelation will most members of the Church likely experience? (Inspiration.)
Teacher presentation
Remind class members that inspiration comes through the Holy Ghost, and it can come by way of feelings, thoughts, or words. Review from lesson 14 the ways the Holy Ghost may inspire us (see pages 76–77).
Explain that personal revelation can also come to us through the scriptures or another person. The Holy Ghost may prompt us to read a certain verse of scripture, or he may inspire a parent, teacher, or Church leader to tell us what we need to hear. (For example, when Joseph Smith needed to know which church to join, he was prompted to pray when he read James 1:5 in the Bible.) Priesthood blessings can also be valuable sources of personal revelation.
Note to the teacher
Many class members have received and recognized inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Some, however, may not have received it or may not have recognized it as inspiration. As appropriate, encourage class members who are familiar with the promptings of the Holy Ghost to share their experiences with other class members.
You may want to point out to class members that Satan tries to imitate the promptings of the Holy Ghost. See the third enrichment activity for information you can share on how to distinguish between genuine personal revelation and counterfeit promptings from Satan.
Stories and discussion
Tell in your own words the following stories. Discuss with class members how the person in each story received personal revelation through inspiration.
Story 1
In 1921 Elders David O. McKay (who later became the ninth President of the Church) and Hugh J. Cannon visited missions around the world. While in Hawaii, they visited the Kilauea volcano, the largest active volcano in the world, with some of the missionaries. They discovered a natural balcony just inside the volcano, and Elder McKay and several of the missionaries climbed down to stand on it. On this balcony they were out of the chilly wind and had a marvelous view of the inside of the volcano. After a while, Elder McKay said, “Brethren, I feel impressed that we should get out of here.” Almost immediately after they climbed back to the rim, the balcony on which they had been standing crumbled and fell into the molten lava below. (See Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, comp. Clare Middlemiss, rev. ed. [1976], 51–53.)
Story 2
A young elder of the Church in the armed services was stationed in Australia during World War II. He became acquainted with a family living on a nearby farm and spent a good deal of time with them while off duty. The family members became interested in the gospel and desired to learn more about it. The elder had attended seminary, priesthood meetings, and Church classes as a boy but felt unqualified to teach this family the gospel. He decided, however, to do his best and pray for help. He later explained that in his attempt to teach the family he quoted many scriptures that he had long forgotten.
Story 3
When Annie was born she was so tiny that her mother’s wedding ring would fit over her wrist. When Annie’s mother died, she left the ring to Annie. One day Annie wore the ring, which she loved dearly, while she was doing her housework. When the work was all done, she discovered that the ring was gone. She frantically searched the house, but it was nowhere to be found. Finally she knelt down and asked Heavenly Father to help her. She felt she should look in the bedroom. She looked everywhere in there, but could not find the ring. Disappointed, she went into another room, but again she felt she should look in the bedroom. As she went through the bedroom door, there, beneath the bed, she saw the ring.
We Can Ask for Personal Revelation
Scripture discussion
Explain that sometimes inspiration or revelation simply comes to us, as it did to Elder McKay in the story above. More often, however, we must ask for the revelation we need, as the people in the other two stories did.
• How did Annie and the young elder in the military ask for personal revelation? (Through prayer.)
Explain that when Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were working on the translation of the Book of Mormon, the Lord taught Oliver how to seek and receive the revelation he needed to translate. We can use the same pattern to seek personal revelation.
Read with class members Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9, and discuss the steps for receiving revelation given in these verses. Explain that we should ask Heavenly Father if a decision is right rather than ask him to make the decision for us.
Point out that we will not necessarily receive our inspiration the same way Oliver Cowdery did. We may have a feeling of peace rather than a burning in the bosom, or we may feel uncomfortable about a wrong decision rather than forgetting it.
Chalkboard discussion
• What are some specific areas in which people your age may want to seek personal revelation? (If it is appropriate for your class, you may want to substitute the first enrichment activity for this chalkboard discussion.)
Write class members’ answers on the chalkboard. Answers may include:
Resisting temptation.
Understanding the scriptures.
Enduring sickness and trials.
Overcoming discouragement.
Keeping safe.
Choosing friends.
Receiving a testimony.
Preparing for a mission.
Filling Church callings.
Dealing with family members.
Quotation
Have a class member read the following statement by President Lorenzo Snow, fifth President of the Church:
“The spirit of God … will reveal to [people], even in the simplest of matters, what they shall do, by making suggestions to them. We should try to learn the nature of this spirit, that we may understand its suggestions, and then we will always be able to do right. This is the grand privilege of every Latter-day Saint. We know that it is our right to have the manifestations of the spirit every day of our lives” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1899, 52).
Emphasize to class members that they can seek the Lord’s guidance on any subject.
We Must Act on Revelation We Receive
Stories and discussion
Explain to class members that once we receive revelation or inspiration about something we should do, we must act. Read or have class members read the following stories, and discuss what would have happened if the person in each story had not acted on the inspiration.
Story 1
“We were riding horses at my uncle’s ranch. Dad said my younger brother and sister and I could ride into the field where my uncle was working. We had just started when my brother and sister both said they didn’t want to go. I started across the field, when it seemed someone said, ‘Go back.’ At first I just kept going, but the voice came again. It was a very quiet voice. I stopped the horse. Just then the horse saw a large snake and started to rear back. I was able to turn him around and calm him down, but if we had been going fast when he reared back I would have been thrown off and hurt.”
• What might have happened if this person had ignored the voice that said, “Go back”?
Story 2
“I was with some friends. One girl was not a member of the Church, and I got the idea that I should tell her what our church believed. Just thinking about it frightened me. I thought I couldn’t, but something seemed to say to me, ‘Yes, you can. Go ahead.’ I told her I’d like to tell her about our church. She said, ‘All right,’ so I did. I didn’t feel frightened. Soon she was asking questions, and all the girls were telling her about the Church. We talked for a long time. I was glad I received the courage to ask her.”
• What might have happened if this girl had not followed the inspiration to tell her friend about the Church?
Point out that in this case, the girl would not have been hurt by ignoring her inspiration, but her friend would not have learned about the Church at that time. Also point out that if we do not act on inspiration we receive, it becomes harder to receive inspiration the next time we need it. The more we seek and act on personal revelation, the more in tune we are to receive it.
Testimony
Have the invited guest tell about how personal revelation has affected his or her life. If you did not invite a guest, tell about how personal revelation has affected your life, or bear testimony of the importance of personal revelation in our lives.
Encourage class members to prayerfully seek personal revelation when they need guidance in their lives.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:45 AM
April 28, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 14: The Gift of the Holy Ghost
Here is the text for my upcoming lesson on the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Jenny Hatch - Sunday School Teacher for 12 and 13 year olds.
One of the choicest blessings we will ever receive comes to each of us shortly after baptism, when bearers of the Melchizedek Priesthood place their hands on our head and say, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” We are then entitled to guidance from the Holy Ghost as long as we remain worthy. All of us face daily decisions—some small, some monumental—involving eternal blessings. The Holy Ghost can impress on our hearts and minds the direction the Lord would have us go. Help class members understand that this gift from Heavenly Father is one of our greatest resources.
As you teach this lesson, be sensitive to the feelings of class members who have not yet been baptized and confirmed.
Suggested Lesson Development
Being Born of the Spirit
Scripture discussion
Write on the chalkboard We must be born of __________ and of __________ __________ to enter the kingdom of God. Remind class members that you discussed being born again in the previous lesson, and ask them to fill in the blanks in the statement. (If they need help in doing so, have them find and read John 3:5.)
• How do we become born of water? (By being baptized.)
• How do we become born of the Spirit? (By receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost after baptism.)
Explain that before Jesus was crucified, he promised his Apostles that after he died Heavenly Father would send a Comforter to be with them (see John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13). This Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, would testify of Jesus Christ. He would also comfort the Apostles and help them know what to do when Jesus was gone. Tell class members that this lesson will help them understand how they, like Jesus’ Apostles, can be blessed and strengthened by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Note to the teacher
Ask questions that encourage thought and discussion rather than questions that can be answered with a single word or statement. Pause for a few moments after asking a question so that class members have time to think about their answers. (See Teaching—No Greater Call, 106.)
Discussion
• Who is the Holy Ghost?
Have class members share what they know about the Holy Ghost. If class members do not mention the following points, bring them up yourself:
1. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. (See 1 John 5:7; Articles of Faith 1:1.)
2. He is a personage of Spirit. He is a person, but he does not have a body of flesh and bones as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ do. (See D&C 130:22.)
3. He is also known as the Comforter, the Spirit, the Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit. (See D&C 75:27; 84:46; 76:53.)
Scripture activity
Assign each class member or pair of class members to look up and read one of the following scriptures: John 14:26; 2 Nephi 32:5; Moroni 10:5; Doctrine and Covenants 11:12; Doctrine and Covenants 42:17.
Then have class members read their assigned scriptures aloud and tell what each scripture says about what the Holy Ghost does. List the responses on the chalkboard.
• What must we do to have the Holy Ghost help us with all these things? (We must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands after we are baptized, and then we must live worthy of that gift.)
Teacher presentation
Explain that a person can be influenced by the Holy Ghost before baptism. The Holy Ghost helps people know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and that the gospel is true. But the gift of the Holy Ghost can only be received after baptism. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the privilege and right to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost at all times. This gift is given through the laying on of hands by those who have proper Melchizedek Priesthood authority, and it remains in effect as long as we are trying to live righteously. The Holy Ghost can bring us comfort, help us choose between right and wrong, and direct us in what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to do. (You may want to mention also that answers to our prayers often come through promptings from the Holy Ghost.)
Recognizing the Promptings of the Holy Ghost
Story and discussion
Explain that if we are worthy to receive help from the Holy Ghost and willing to listen to him, he will always help us. Sometimes, however, it takes experience and practice to learn how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Read or tell the following account by Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“One of our sons has always been interested in radio. When he was a little fellow, his Christmas present was a very elementary radio construction set.
“As he grew, and as we could afford it, and as he could earn it, he received more sophisticated equipment.
“There have been many times over the years, some very recently, when I have sat with him as he talked with someone in a distant part of the world.
“I could hear static and interference and catch a word or two, or sometimes several voices at once.
“Yet he can understand, for he has trained himself to tune out the interference.
“It is difficult to separate from the confusion of life that quiet voice of inspiration. Unless you attune yourself, you will miss it. … You can train yourself to hear what you want to hear, to see and feel what you desire, but it takes some conditioning.
“There are so many of us who go through life and seldom, if ever, hear that voice of inspiration, because ‘the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned’ (1 Cor. 2:14)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1979, 27–28; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, 19–20).
• How are the promptings of the Holy Ghost like the radio signal in this story? (Answers may include that we must pay close attention to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost; other things can cause interference and distract us from listening to the Holy Ghost; as we gain experience in listening to the Holy Ghost, we are better able to hear and understand him.)
Chalkboard and scripture discussion
Point out that although we talk about “hearing” or “listening to” the Holy Ghost, he rarely speaks to us in an audible voice, like another person speaks to us. His promptings usually come in other ways.
Explain that the scriptures teach us several ways in which promptings from the Holy Ghost may come. Write D&C 6:23 on the chalkboard, and have class members read and mark this verse.
• What is one way the Holy Ghost communicates with us?
Write Peace on the chalkboard following D&C 6:23. Explain that if we feel peaceful about a question or decision, that is usually the Holy Ghost telling us that what we have decided is right.
Write D&C 8:2 on the chalkboard, and have class members read and mark this verse.
• What does this scripture tell us about how the Holy Ghost communicates with us?
Write Knowledge in our minds and hearts on the chalkboard following D&C 8:2. Explain that sometimes the Holy Ghost gives us thoughts or feelings that we could not receive from any other source. For example, we may know that a friend needs encouragement, even though he or she appears happy and has not said anything about feeling discouraged. This knowledge is an example of communication from the Holy Ghost. A knowledge that the gospel is true also comes this way.
Write D&C 11:13 on the chalkboard, and have class members read and mark this verse.
• What does this scripture tell us about how the Holy Ghost communicates with us?
Write Enlightenment and joy on the chalkboard following D&C 11:13. Explain that the Holy Ghost can enlighten our minds by helping us understand things, such as the meaning of a passage of scripture we have read. He can also give us feelings of joy to help us know we are doing what is right.
Following the Promptings of the Holy Ghost
Discussion
• What should we do when we receive promptings from the Holy Ghost?
Point out that we should follow the promptings we receive from the Holy Ghost, even if it is sometimes difficult to do so.
• Why does it sometimes take courage to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost?
Quotation
Have a class member read the following statement from Elder F. Enzio Busche of the Seventy:
“It takes courage and commitment to follow the promptings of the Spirit because they may frighten us as they lead us to walk along new paths, sometimes paths that no one has walked before, paths of the second mile, of acting totally differently from how worldly people act. For instance, we may be prompted to smile when someone offends us, to give love where others give hate, to say thank you where others would not find anything to be thankful for, to accept jobs that others would be too proud to do, to apologize where others would defend themselves, and to do all the seemingly crazy things that the Spirit prompts a righteous, honest, listening heart to do” (“The Only Real Treasure,” New Era, Dec. 1979, 5).
Explain that promptings from the Holy Ghost tell us things Heavenly Father wants us to know or do. The blessings we receive from following these promptings outweigh any difficulty or inconvenience we may experience from doing so.
Quotation and discussion
Read the following comments from a man who was a convert to the Church. Do not reveal the man’s identity until after the questions have been discussed.
“I cannot help but think back to the day when I, as an investigator of the Church, was confronted with the missionaries’ challenge to prepare for my baptism. This step seemed to be too big for me to take, but … I already had a testimony burning within me of the truthfulness of this work. …
“So I accepted the challenge for baptism, with a fearful heart, but I told the missionaries that I would do it only on two conditions: First, that I would never be called to any Church position, and second, that I would never have to give a talk.”
• Why did it take courage for this man to join the Church? (Joining the Church would require him to make changes in his life.)
• Why did he decide to be baptized? (The Holy Ghost had helped him gain a testimony of the gospel.)
• What might have happened to this convert if he had followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost to be baptized, then rejected later promptings by refusing to accept a calling or give a talk?
Explain to class members that this man did follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost after baptism as well as before. He is Elder F. Enzio Busche of the First Quorum of the Seventy, the same man who made the statement that was read aloud by a class member a few minutes ago. Elder Busche told about his baptism in general conference, concluding with the following remarks:
“Without the loving influence and the power and security of the Holy Ghost, which I received by the laying on of hands after baptism to help me, I could not have done anything in my various Church assignments” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 37; or Ensign, May 1980, 27).
Quotation
Give the four papers containing the quotation below to four class members. Explain that after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Brigham Young had a dream in which Joseph Smith appeared to him and gave him some instructions. (See Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846–1847, comp. Elden J. Watson [1971], 529–30.) Have the four class members share those instructions with the class by reading their papers in numerical order.
1. “Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the small still voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go. …
2. “Tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits; it will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God.
3. “Tell the brethren if they will follow the spirit of the Lord they will go right.
4. “Be sure to tell the people to keep the Spirit of the Lord.”
Testimony
Testify of the value of the gift of the Holy Ghost in your life, and express your gratitude that Heavenly Father has given this gift to help us. As appropriate, you may want to tell class members about a time when you were prompted by the Holy Ghost.
Encourage class members to learn to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and to follow those promptings when they receive them.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:25 AM
April 13, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 12 Repentance is a Blessing
Here is the link to the sunday school lesson I taught this afternoon. I felt the spirit so strong as we discussed this sacred topic. The teens in my class were listening well and I was so happy to have the time to go carefully through all of the material. We had a short sacrament meeting with only two speakers and I had almost a whole hour to cover this crucial subject.
Here is the text of the lesson.
Note to the teacher
Heavenly Father has lovingly included repentance in the gospel plan and promised to receive all who forsake their sins and come to him with a broken heart and contrite spirit. Be sure to leave class members with hope and encouragement following this lesson. Repentance is necessary for everyone. It is a great blessing that allows us to be forgiven and cleansed of our sins so we can achieve exaltation.
Suggested Lesson Development
Repentance Allows Us to Become Clean Again
Story
Tell or have a class member tell the following story:
Once a young girl was asked what she was thankful for. She replied, “Erasers.” When asked to explain, she said, “I make lots of mistakes doing math problems. Without an eraser I can’t undo my mistakes and write the correct answers on my paper.”
Chalkboard discussion
On the chalkboard write in large letters SINS.
• Have you ever done something wrong and wished you had a giant eraser to undo your action? (This is a general question. Do not ask class members to name the actions they are thinking of.)
Using the eraser labeled Repentance, erase the word SINS from the chalkboard. Make sure class members can see the label as you erase.
Explain that repentance is the process Heavenly Father has given us for “erasing” our sins. Heavenly Father wants us to return to live with him after this life, but no unclean, or sinful, person can live with him (see Moses 6:57). Heavenly Father knows that everyone will make mistakes and commit sins while on the earth, so he has given us a way to become clean again after we have sinned. This is repentance.
Picture presentation
Display the picture of Jesus praying in Gethsemane. Explain that because Jesus Christ paid for all our sins with his suffering, when we repent we can be forgiven and can become clean again (see D&C 19:16).
We All Must Repent
Story and discussion
Read or tell the following story:
At the age of fifty-seven, Charlie was living in Leavenworth, Kansas—in prison. He had been in many of the United States’ high security institutions for most of his life. He had grown up with crime. His father and mother were alcoholics and convicts. When he was thirteen, the flu epidemic killed all the members of his family. After the funerals, Charlie hopped on a freight train and began a nomadic life across the United States. His life included crime, beginning with car theft, then burglary, and finally armed robbery. By the age of fifty-seven Charlie had spent thirty-five years in prison.
• Do you think there is any hope for a person like this?
Continue the story:
Charlie finally realized he was living a dead-end existence. He later described how he felt at that time:
“I slowly came to realize I did not like myself. How could I change? If I kept up my criminal acts, I would die in a prison cell and be buried in some unmarked plot on prison property.”
• What did Charlie need to do to change his life?
Charlie began studying religion. He eventually read the Book of Mormon and realized that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the true Church. He wrote to Church headquarters and asked for more information about the Church. He was unable to be baptized because he was in prison, but he studied the books and other materials he received from the Missionary Department.
As Charlie gained a testimony of Jesus Christ and the gospel plan, he made a complete change in his behavior. He would learn a principle of the gospel, then live it, and become strengthened; then he would learn another principle, live it, and become strengthened; then learn another principle, live it, and become strengthened further. As Charlie learned about the things that Heavenly Father and Jesus wanted him to do, he started doing those things and stopped doing wrong things.
Charlie eventually had a chance for parole (to be let out of prison under strict supervision). He decided that he would start a new life. He met with the stake president in the area, who was so impressed with Charlie that he went to the parole officer and guaranteed that he would get Charlie a job and a place to live if Charlie were released on parole.
Charlie was released from prison, and the stake president found a job and an apartment for him. The missionaries taught Charlie the gospel discussions. When his parole was finished, Charlie was baptized. Two and a half years later he came to Church headquarters to meet the person who had answered his first letter and to attend general conference. Charlie, who was now the high priests group leader in his ward, testified of the truthfulness of the gospel. He was a completely new man.
Discussion
• In what way was Charlie a new man?
Point out that as Charlie learned the gospel, he repented of the things he had done wrong. Repentance enabled him to change from being a criminal to being a member of the Church with a responsible calling and a strong testimony of the gospel.
• Why is repentance important?
Explain that sins can slow or stop our spiritual development and move us away from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Repentance allows us to turn back to Heavenly Father and Jesus and begin to grow spiritually again. Although we may not commit big sins like Charlie’s, all of us commit sins, so we all need to repent.
Repentance Requires Effort
Quotation
Have a class member read Charlie’s comments about repentance:
“Because of … agency, I had to make the first move in changing my lifestyle. Repentance is definitely a change of mind. Repentance begins by a desire to scrap all your past by reading, studying, and pondering God’s word. Repentance is reaching out from the midst of my pains and negativeness and turning them to joy and positiveness.”
Chalkboard discussion
Explain that there is a process that helps us turn the pain and guilt of sin into joy through repentance. Charlie mentioned the first step in this process when he said, “Repentance begins by a desire to scrap all your past.”
Write on the chalkboard:
1. Recognize your sin and desire to change.
• Why is recognition that you have sinned the first step in repentance? Why is it important to feel sorrow for what you have done wrong and desire to do better?
To find the next two steps, have class members read and mark Doctrine and Covenants 58:43.
Write on the chalkboard:
2. Confess your sin.
3. Forsake your sin.
• Why is it necessary to confess your sin? To whom should you confess?
Explain that all sins must be confessed to the Lord. If we have sinned against another person (for example, if you lied to your mother), we should also confess to that person. Serious sins must also be confessed to the bishop or branch president. Confession shows that we are sincere about wanting to repent.
• What does it mean to forsake your sin?
Explain that to forsake means to give up. If we forsake a sin, we resolve never to do that wrong thing again.
• Why is forsaking your sin an important part of repentance?
Write on the chalkboard:
4. Make restitution.
Explain that to make restitution means to make right, as much as is possible, what we have done wrong. Give class members examples of a few specific actions for which restitution can be made and ask them to tell how those wrongs could be made right. For example, if we have stolen something, we return it or pay for it. If we have lied, we tell the truth. If we have damaged something, we repair or replace it.
You may want to point out that sometimes a wrong action cannot be made right, no matter what we do. For example, if we have said untrue things about a person we can apologize and tell the truth, but we may not be able to undo the damage done to the person’s reputation. If we have stolen or damaged something, we may be able to replace the object but not exactly as it was. In this kind of situation, Jesus Christ, through his Atonement and mercy, will take responsibility for setting things right. But this happens only after we have done all we can.
Write on the chalkboard:
5. Keep the commandments.
Explain that the last step in repentance is striving to keep all the commandments of God (see D&C 1:32). Repentance is a process that we will have to use throughout our lives, but as we become more perfect in keeping the commandments, we will do less for which we need to repent.
Read Charlie’s testimony to the class:
“I know the extent [of the] damage done by my years of rebellion. But I also know that repentance and endurance based on faith is the way to my personal salvation. When I am called from this mortal life, I hope and pray, that since [I found the gospel], in the words of Paul [in] 2 Timothy 4:7, I can say, ‘I have fought a good fight,’ I did the best I could with my Church callings, and I kept my faith and love for the Lord and Heavenly Father.”
Point out that once Charlie had repented of his sins, he endured to the end—he spent the rest of his life trying to live the way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted him to live.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Will Forgive Us When We Repent
Scripture discussion
Explain that repentance can be a long and difficult process. But the effort required to repent is more than repaid by the blessings we receive when we do repent.
• What blessings come to us when we repent?
Have class members find and mark Mosiah 26:30 and Doctrine and Covenants 58:42. Have two class members each read one of these verses aloud.
• What does the Lord promise to do when we repent of our sins?
• What does it mean that the Lord “will remember [our sins] no more”? (He will not consider them when we are judged. When we have sincerely and completely repented, to the Lord it is as if we had never sinned.)
Have class members find and mark Alma 36:19–21. Have a class member read the verses aloud.
• According to these verses, how will we feel when we have repented and have been forgiven?
Explain that sin brings us guilt and pain, but repentance brings us joy. Tell class members that it is better not to sin and thus avoid the pain of sin and the effort of repentance, but when we do sin, we can repent and again feel the joy of being clean.
Quotation
Have a person read the following statement by Elder Spencer W. Kimball when he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“What relief! What comfort! What joy! Those laden with transgressions and sorrows and sin may be forgiven and cleansed and purified if they will return to their Lord, learn of him, and keep his commandments” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 368).
Testimony
Testify of the joy and gratitude you feel for the principle of repentance, which enables us to be forgiven of our sins. Express your gratitude for Christ’s Atonement, which makes repentance possible.
Encourage class members to sincerely repent of their sins and strive to live righteously. Remind them of the joy and relief that can come through repentance.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:39 PM
March 22, 2008
Sunday School Lessons nine: The Power of Personal Prayer
Here is the link to my sunday school lesson from last week. I had one of the young men in the class teach while his father supervised. I was ill and stayed home from church.
I will be teaching Lesson Ten: Fasting, Hungry or Full on Easter Sunday.
The complete lesson is below.
Note to the teacher
Rather than being spiritually uplifted through fasting, many people merely experience hunger. Help class members see that we can become spiritually “full” by preparing, praying, and fasting with a purpose. When we abstain from food and take spiritual nourishment during the fast, the Lord blesses us with his Spirit.
Suggested Lesson Development
Fasting Is More than Not Eating
Discussion
Ask class members to imagine themselves in the following situation:
You are about to prepare your breakfast one Sunday morning when your mother (or father) comes in and reminds you that it is fast Sunday.
• What are your first thoughts? Are you happy that it is fast Sunday?
Point out that many people think of fasting as just not eating. The only feeling they experience while fasting is hunger. But with proper preparation and observance of the fast, fasting can be a joyful and spiritually uplifting experience.
When and Why We Fast
Scripture activity
Remind class members that one Sunday a month we go without food and drink for two consecutive meals. We also attend fast and testimony meeting, and we (or our parents) make a donation called a fast offering to the bishop to help care for those in need. In addition to the regular fast Sunday, we can also fast any time we feel the need for extra spiritual help, although we do not need to make a fast offering on those occasions.
• Why do we fast?
Have a class member take a piece of paper from the bowl and write on the chalkboard the scripture reference given on the paper. Have all class members find the indicated passage in their scriptures. Then have the class member who chose the paper read the scripture passage aloud and tell what reason it gives for fasting. List the reason on the chalkboard next to the reference. Repeat, giving other class members an opportunity to choose a paper, until all the papers have been used.
Your completed list may look like this:
WHY DO WE FAST?
Doctrine and Covenants 88:76—To obey God’s commandment.
Luke 2:37—To serve God.
Alma 45:1—To worship God and show gratitude to him.
Mosiah 27:22–23—To receive special blessings, such as healing.
Alma 5:46—To gain a testimony.
Alma 17:3—To gain the spirit of prophecy and revelation and the ability to teach.
Alma 6:6—For the conversion of people who are not yet members of the Church.
Isaiah 58:6–7—To feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Joel 2:12—To draw closer to God.
Discussion
Discuss briefly how fasting can help us do each of these things.
Proper Observance of the Fast
Scripture discussion
Have class members read and mark Doctrine and Covenants 59:13–14.
• What do these verses compare fasting to? Do you ever feel joyful when you are fasting?
• What can we do to make fasting joyful?
Accept class members’ answers, then continue the discussion on the following two ways to make fasting joyful: preparation and prayer.
Discussion
Preparation
Write Preparation on the chalkboard. Explain that we must plan ahead and look forward to a fast to be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
• What can we do to prepare to fast?
Answers may include praying before beginning our fast, settling our other concerns so we can concentrate on our fast, and deciding to make the fast a meaningful spiritual experience.
Explain that one of the most important ways of preparing to fast is choosing a purpose for fasting.
• What difference can it make when we fast with a purpose? (Having a purpose can make fasting more personal and meaningful. We may find it easier to fast when we are fasting for a specific reason.)
Point out that class members have already discussed some purposes for fasting, and briefly review the list on the chalkboard. Help class members understand that they can fast whenever they need spiritual strength or special blessings for themselves or others. For example, they can fast when they are taking on a new responsibility, such as a Church calling, or when a family member or friend is sick.
Invite class members to tell about purposes for which they have fasted.
Prayer
Write Prayer on the chalkboard. Have class members turn again to the scriptures they used to discover reasons for fasting.
• Which of these scriptures include prayer with fasting?
• Why is it important that we pray when we fast?
Explain that some purposes for which we may want to pray as we fast include to ask for strength in fasting, to discuss our purpose for fasting with Heavenly Father, and to thank Heavenly Father for the opportunity to fast and receive the spiritual growth that can come with it.
Invite class members to share experiences they have had with fasting and prayer.
Note to the teacher
Help class members form a positive attitude toward fasting and prayer. Fasting and prayer can become two of the most valuable spiritual tools they will ever acquire. Your testimony and your positive attitude will be two of the most important gifts you give class members this year. (See Teaching—No Greater Call, 171.)
Spiritual Fulfillment through Fasting
Discussion and quotation
Point out that because we are going without food, we may feel physically weak when we fast. However, in other ways fasting can make us stronger.
• What kind of strength do we receive from fasting?
Read or have a class member read the following statement made by Bishop John H. Vandenberg when he was Presiding Bishop:
“Fasting and prayer equip a person with a much greater degree of strength and power than would otherwise be his if he were left to his own devices. Fasting and prayer can bring an individual to a point of humility and faith where the Lord can give him the extra strength and power needed to complete a task or to solve a problem” (“The Presiding Bishop Talks to Youth About: Fasting,” Improvement Era, Feb. 1969, 71).
Testimony
Bear testimony of the spiritual strength and blessings that can be received through fasting and prayer.
Encourage class members to remember preparation and prayer next time they fast, so that they can receive spiritual fulfillment and not just go hungry.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 4:17 AM
March 15, 2008
Sunday School Lesson 8: The Three Degrees of Glory
Here is my sunday school lesson from last week:
Note to the teacher
The extent of our obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel determines the glory we will receive after we are resurrected. Encourage class members to have as their goal exaltation in the highest kingdom, the celestial kingdom, where we can experience a fulness of happiness.
Suggested Lesson Development
The Truth about Heaven and Hell
Quiz
Give each class member a pen or pencil and a copy of the quiz. Have class members mark each statement as “True” or “False.” (If you have not made copies of the quiz, give each class member a blank piece of paper and have them write their answers as you read the statements.)
Scripture discussion
After everyone has completed the quiz, discuss each answer until you are sure everyone understands it well. Following are the statements and answers with some suggestions for discussion:
1. After we have been resurrected and judged, each of us will dwell in one of three kingdoms of glory.
True. Just as there are different degrees of righteousness on the earth, there are kingdoms of differing glory in the next life: the celestial kingdom is the highest, followed by the terrestrial and the telestial. To reward many different levels of faithfulness, there will be “many mansions” (see John 14:2).
2. God has already determined which kingdom each of us will inherit, no matter what we do.
False. We are agents unto ourselves (see D&C 58:27–28). This means that we are responsible for the choices we make. We will be judged by our thoughts and actions. Have a class member read the following statement by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
“Each of you will be judged according to your individual works and the desires of your hearts. … Your eventual placement in the celestial, terrestrial, or telestial kingdom will not be determined by chance. The Lord has prescribed unchanging requirements for each. You can know what the scriptures teach and pattern your lives accordingly” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1993, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1993, 35).
3. All you have to do to get to the celestial kingdom is say that you believe in Jesus Christ.
False. We must do more than just say we believe in Jesus Christ; we must follow him. All people, regardless of their level of righteousness, will be saved from death because of the Resurrection of Christ. However, in order to attain the highest degree of glory in the resurrection, we need to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32). We come unto Christ by having faith in him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, receiving other saving priesthood ordinances, obeying the commandments, and keeping the covenants we make with our Heavenly Father. How we live does make a difference.
Have class members read, mark, and discuss Alma 3:26.
4. To be damned is to be stopped or held back from blessings we might have received if we had obeyed God’s commandments.
True. When we sin, we prevent our own progress. Our Heavenly Father wants to bless us. However, because he is just, he will reward us only when we obey his commandments (see D&C 82:10).
5. Hell is a place of never-ending suffering where sinners go. Most of mankind will be there forever because of their wickedness.
False. Hell, or spirit prison, is a place for people who have rejected the gospel and people who have died without a knowledge of the gospel. The gospel is preached to them there, and those who accept the gospel and repent of their sins will be released and allowed to enter paradise until the Resurrection and Judgment (see D&C 138:29–34). Most of those who do not accept the gospel there will have to suffer for their own sins but will eventually be resurrected and go to a kingdom of glory (see D&C 76:81–85, 98–106).
6. A great multitude of Heavenly Father’s children will dwell in the celestial kingdom.
True. See Revelation 7:9–10, in which John describes his vision of the exalted sons and daughters of God.
7. There are three degrees of glory in the celestial kingdom. In order to receive the highest of these degrees, a person must be sealed to his or her spouse in the temple.
True. Have class members read, mark, and discuss Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4. Then have a class member read the following statement by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles about the highest degree of the celestial kingdom:
“Those who have met the highest requirements for this kingdom, including faithfulness to covenants made in a temple of God and marriage for eternity, will be exalted to the godlike state referred to as the ‘fulness’ of the Father or eternal life (D&C 76:56, 94;