Hi All – the Stake Conference today for our Stake was very uplifting – and with the four speakers: Walter F. González Presidency of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy; Cheryl A. Esplin 2C Primary General Presidency; Richard C. Edgley 1st Counselor Church Bishopric; and M. Russell Ballard Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The subjects were: “Three Things the Savior Did”; “Family Home Evening”; “Two Paths – Lord’s Path and Satan’s Path”; and “The Worth of One Soul or What is Needed in the Last Days”
Elder Gonzalez: “Three Things the Savior Did”
1. Prayed or Prayer
2. Blessed
3. Ministered
The Savior prayed often for all of those he saw – especially for the small children. In our homes and stewardships we need to be praying for both ourselves and those we’ve a responsibility to and for while in this mortal probation. Prayers are the key to the heavens – knowing how to have meaningful communications with the Father – through the Son. Parents should pray for their themselves – their family – their children (collectively and individually) – their loved ones; We should be praying in the same manner – and when we pray in our meetings to be mindful of the purposes of those in attendance.
We each should be using the Priesthood for Blessings – within the Home – for our Home Teaching Families – for the Sick and Infirmed – for those receiving new callings – starting or returning to school – but most especially when prompted by the Holy Ghost of the need of someone for one.
The Savior ministered to those who followed him and came to him. Teaching the 1st Principles of the Gospel is the greatest teaching we can do – teaching about the love of the Father and the Son – teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our families and loved ones. In doing so we minister to the needs of those within this mortal probation and also ourselves in our preparations.
Sister Cheryl A. Esplin: “Family Home Evening FHE”
This is the 100th Year of the Family Home Evening Program in the Church. There are great promises (Covenants with the Lord) if we as individuals and families hold a regular FHE. Every President (Prophet) of the Church has added to and reinforced the blessings and covenants that the Lord has made with his people. Some of these are: “Your children might wander but you’ll never lose them.” “Will strengthen your family.” “Next to Sacrament Meeting the most important single meeting each week for a family (this includes individuals) to hold.” There are many more – but the importance is magnified in these listed.
Bishop Richard C. Edgley: “Two Paths – Lord’s Path and Satan’s Path”
In the Latter-days all people have four things in common:
1. Each seek happiness and joy
2. Each have the influence of Satan to destroy happiness and joy
3. Each have the buffetings of Satan to contend with in destroying their testimonies of the Savior and the Father
4. Each is a son or daughter of God the Father
2 Nephi 3:11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
President Hinckley would speak of the worldly Ism’s – Atheism; Agnosticism; Pessimism; and Secularism. Most are familiar with these but the most dangerous is the Secularism taught by the world to all.
Secularism: Free speech – Free choices – and Restriction of Religious Freedom.
Free Speech – the right to use profanity – publish pornography – delight in rhetorical teachings – and denying such rights as anyone to criticize the abuses of these freedoms. These have been upheld by the courts of our day (see 3rd Nephi for the examples of what is yet to come).
Free Choices – sexual immorality – adultery – (my note: Bertram Russell taught one of the great things he learned growing up was that there was no Free Will and therefore whatever he did, taught or any other aspect of his life was already decided so he could do whatever he wanted without any remorse.)
Restriction of Freedom of Religions to criticize or otherwise to interfere with the abuses of Free Speech or Free Choices – due to any of their individual or collective teachings.
Regardless – Sin is still Sin
There’s a fifth Ism – Optimism – which is the found only in the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And in these Latter-days this should be the learning of all those who’ve covenanted with the Father and the Son. Those who’ve done so – understand who they are (a child of God) – why they’re here (to learn light and knowledge to pass through mortal probation) and where they’re going (if worthy) (back into the presence of the Father and the Son).
We’re to put on the Full Armor of God: In order to do this there are three things we must do on a regular basis:
1. Attend Sacrament Meetings
2. Pay a full Tithing
3. Attend the Temple
We’re a covenant making people – at Baptism we covenanted with Father to do all and keep all of his Commandments.
Sacrament Meetings are where we renew our covenants on a weekly basis to fine tune our Spirits for another week in a very wicked world.
Pay a Full Tithing – this is the Lord’s Law of Worthiness – by obedience to this law it will stay the hand of the destroyer –
Attend the Temple – this is where we learn the Spiritual laws and understandings – doing our own ordinances and those of our progenitors (read Malachi).
“Don’t Jump Ship” – sometimes you might find yourself feeling unwanted or unappreciated – sometimes maybe even offended – sometime seduced by the worldly and its many temptations – or having committed further sin and feel no longer worthy to be in the fellowship of the Father or the Son. The whole purpose of the Atonement was to give us the strength to return to the Father and the Son – no matter where or how we felt/feel – for the Atonement gives us the strength to endure beyond all we can do for ourselves. Grace is the strength of God given to us to endure after all we’ve done or can do. Many abandon ship – much like those who join the Church – and then can no longer take the taunting of those in the Spacious Building and leave to follow the world once more. Many feel the ship has abandoned them – they see the lights fading in the distance and give up – missing the lifeboats all around looking for them. The Father and the Son will never leave us – it is us who choose to leave them.
Some thus endure to the end – others do not – but know this that all can endure to the end if they so choose to be Obedient to the Commandments of God.
Elder M. Russell Ballard: “The Worth of One Soul – or What is Needed in the Last Days”
“Doctrine and Covenants 88:81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.”
See also Mosiah 28 about the four sons of the King going on a mission to the Lamanites
Remember also the Scriptures of the lost sheep and the lost coin – one soul is of great value.
We’ve much to do in these Latter-days – to warn our neighbors – ourselves and our sisters and brothers (all – none excluded)
Three important aspects of this importance:
1. Strengthen our homes and others
2. We’ll survive in saving our souls and others will grow from our examples
3. We’ll help non-members who are searching to find the Gospel - possibly through service projects.
What are we to teach? Hyrum Smith counseled we’re to teach the 1st Principles of the Gospel (only) -
“Articles of Faith 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
This is something all can do – using the Scriptures – and bearing ones testimony.
The message of the Savior is simple and clear – “If you love me – keep my Commandments” (and if you do you shall see my face). (see John 15:14 and Doctrine and Covenants 93:1)
Many have asked, “How many seeds in an apple” – while they should be asking, “How many apples in a seed?” We should be asking what is inside of us - and what can we do for ourselves – our family – our loved ones here and departed – and our neighbors and friends?
Where will we be found – when the winds blow – the sun is blocked – the moon is red – ice and freezing – extremes in hot and cold – floods – hurricanes – tornadoes – wars – earthquakes? Will we be standing – understanding the plainness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – or will we be found otherwise – afraid and alone?
These are from my notes – and are not in any way meant to be the complete text of any of the talks given this day. For those who attended they may well fill in the many gaps found above – while those not in attendance we missed you and your families – hugs and love – Brother Ingerson
“Obedience”
cji
1/30/12
Each have choices to make
When a new day to awake;
Choosing to be found
Homeward to Zion bound;
Or otherwise engaged
Where tempests raged;
Obedience the best way
Starting knowing to pray;
All the counsel given true
Printed, spoken to view;
Yet there’s only one road
Wherein we’re to abode;
Zion’s road the way home
Thus Jesus for us to Atone.
Copyright © 2012 – cji
The subjects were: “Three Things the Savior Did”; “Family Home Evening”; “Two Paths – Lord’s Path and Satan’s Path”; and “The Worth of One Soul or What is Needed in the Last Days”
Elder Gonzalez: “Three Things the Savior Did”
1. Prayed or Prayer
2. Blessed
3. Ministered
The Savior prayed often for all of those he saw – especially for the small children. In our homes and stewardships we need to be praying for both ourselves and those we’ve a responsibility to and for while in this mortal probation. Prayers are the key to the heavens – knowing how to have meaningful communications with the Father – through the Son. Parents should pray for their themselves – their family – their children (collectively and individually) – their loved ones; We should be praying in the same manner – and when we pray in our meetings to be mindful of the purposes of those in attendance.
We each should be using the Priesthood for Blessings – within the Home – for our Home Teaching Families – for the Sick and Infirmed – for those receiving new callings – starting or returning to school – but most especially when prompted by the Holy Ghost of the need of someone for one.
The Savior ministered to those who followed him and came to him. Teaching the 1st Principles of the Gospel is the greatest teaching we can do – teaching about the love of the Father and the Son – teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our families and loved ones. In doing so we minister to the needs of those within this mortal probation and also ourselves in our preparations.
Sister Cheryl A. Esplin: “Family Home Evening FHE”
This is the 100th Year of the Family Home Evening Program in the Church. There are great promises (Covenants with the Lord) if we as individuals and families hold a regular FHE. Every President (Prophet) of the Church has added to and reinforced the blessings and covenants that the Lord has made with his people. Some of these are: “Your children might wander but you’ll never lose them.” “Will strengthen your family.” “Next to Sacrament Meeting the most important single meeting each week for a family (this includes individuals) to hold.” There are many more – but the importance is magnified in these listed.
Bishop Richard C. Edgley: “Two Paths – Lord’s Path and Satan’s Path”
In the Latter-days all people have four things in common:
1. Each seek happiness and joy
2. Each have the influence of Satan to destroy happiness and joy
3. Each have the buffetings of Satan to contend with in destroying their testimonies of the Savior and the Father
4. Each is a son or daughter of God the Father
2 Nephi 3:11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
President Hinckley would speak of the worldly Ism’s – Atheism; Agnosticism; Pessimism; and Secularism. Most are familiar with these but the most dangerous is the Secularism taught by the world to all.
Secularism: Free speech – Free choices – and Restriction of Religious Freedom.
Free Speech – the right to use profanity – publish pornography – delight in rhetorical teachings – and denying such rights as anyone to criticize the abuses of these freedoms. These have been upheld by the courts of our day (see 3rd Nephi for the examples of what is yet to come).
Free Choices – sexual immorality – adultery – (my note: Bertram Russell taught one of the great things he learned growing up was that there was no Free Will and therefore whatever he did, taught or any other aspect of his life was already decided so he could do whatever he wanted without any remorse.)
Restriction of Freedom of Religions to criticize or otherwise to interfere with the abuses of Free Speech or Free Choices – due to any of their individual or collective teachings.
Regardless – Sin is still Sin
There’s a fifth Ism – Optimism – which is the found only in the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And in these Latter-days this should be the learning of all those who’ve covenanted with the Father and the Son. Those who’ve done so – understand who they are (a child of God) – why they’re here (to learn light and knowledge to pass through mortal probation) and where they’re going (if worthy) (back into the presence of the Father and the Son).
We’re to put on the Full Armor of God: In order to do this there are three things we must do on a regular basis:
1. Attend Sacrament Meetings
2. Pay a full Tithing
3. Attend the Temple
We’re a covenant making people – at Baptism we covenanted with Father to do all and keep all of his Commandments.
Sacrament Meetings are where we renew our covenants on a weekly basis to fine tune our Spirits for another week in a very wicked world.
Pay a Full Tithing – this is the Lord’s Law of Worthiness – by obedience to this law it will stay the hand of the destroyer –
Attend the Temple – this is where we learn the Spiritual laws and understandings – doing our own ordinances and those of our progenitors (read Malachi).
“Don’t Jump Ship” – sometimes you might find yourself feeling unwanted or unappreciated – sometimes maybe even offended – sometime seduced by the worldly and its many temptations – or having committed further sin and feel no longer worthy to be in the fellowship of the Father or the Son. The whole purpose of the Atonement was to give us the strength to return to the Father and the Son – no matter where or how we felt/feel – for the Atonement gives us the strength to endure beyond all we can do for ourselves. Grace is the strength of God given to us to endure after all we’ve done or can do. Many abandon ship – much like those who join the Church – and then can no longer take the taunting of those in the Spacious Building and leave to follow the world once more. Many feel the ship has abandoned them – they see the lights fading in the distance and give up – missing the lifeboats all around looking for them. The Father and the Son will never leave us – it is us who choose to leave them.
Some thus endure to the end – others do not – but know this that all can endure to the end if they so choose to be Obedient to the Commandments of God.
Elder M. Russell Ballard: “The Worth of One Soul – or What is Needed in the Last Days”
“Doctrine and Covenants 88:81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.”
See also Mosiah 28 about the four sons of the King going on a mission to the Lamanites
Remember also the Scriptures of the lost sheep and the lost coin – one soul is of great value.
We’ve much to do in these Latter-days – to warn our neighbors – ourselves and our sisters and brothers (all – none excluded)
Three important aspects of this importance:
1. Strengthen our homes and others
2. We’ll survive in saving our souls and others will grow from our examples
3. We’ll help non-members who are searching to find the Gospel - possibly through service projects.
What are we to teach? Hyrum Smith counseled we’re to teach the 1st Principles of the Gospel (only) -
“Articles of Faith 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
This is something all can do – using the Scriptures – and bearing ones testimony.
The message of the Savior is simple and clear – “If you love me – keep my Commandments” (and if you do you shall see my face). (see John 15:14 and Doctrine and Covenants 93:1)
Many have asked, “How many seeds in an apple” – while they should be asking, “How many apples in a seed?” We should be asking what is inside of us - and what can we do for ourselves – our family – our loved ones here and departed – and our neighbors and friends?
Where will we be found – when the winds blow – the sun is blocked – the moon is red – ice and freezing – extremes in hot and cold – floods – hurricanes – tornadoes – wars – earthquakes? Will we be standing – understanding the plainness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – or will we be found otherwise – afraid and alone?
These are from my notes – and are not in any way meant to be the complete text of any of the talks given this day. For those who attended they may well fill in the many gaps found above – while those not in attendance we missed you and your families – hugs and love – Brother Ingerson
“Obedience”
cji
1/30/12
Each have choices to make
When a new day to awake;
Choosing to be found
Homeward to Zion bound;
Or otherwise engaged
Where tempests raged;
Obedience the best way
Starting knowing to pray;
All the counsel given true
Printed, spoken to view;
Yet there’s only one road
Wherein we’re to abode;
Zion’s road the way home
Thus Jesus for us to Atone.
Copyright © 2012 – cji
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