The Priesthood and the Youth. + The Second Coming: Great or Dreadful

"Our desire to share the gospel takes all of us to our knees, and it should, because we need the Lord's help."

—Neil L. Andersen, "It's a Miracle"

‘ComeFollow Me’ June Videos

12-13 Year Old Preview

How can I participate effectively in councils in the Church?

The Lord’s Church is governed through councils. Under the direction of priesthood leadership, leaders counsel together for the benefit of individuals, families, and the Church. Effective councils invite full expression from all council members, who seek to be united and guided by the Holy Ghost to build the kingdom of God. Learning how revelation is received in councils can help us participate effectively in council meetings, including presidency meetings, bishopric youth committee meetings, and family councils.

 We will invite the youth to share their experiences participating in council settings in the Church, such as class and quorum presidencies or bishopric youth committee meetings. What did they do to prepare for the meeting? What did they do to participate? How did the council help accomplish the Lord’s work? We will show the video “Participate in Councils.” and will invite the youth to look for key elements of a successful council. Finally we will  role-playing participating in a council by assigning each class member a role to play, and ask them to choose a topic that they could counsel together about, such as how to help the members of the ward understand the importance of reverence or modesty.

16-18 Year Old Calendar

·         June 9 - Bro. Wall - "Why is it important to follow the counsel given by priesthood leaders?"

·         June 16 - Sis. Hooper - "How do women and priesthood holders work together to build the kingdom of God?"

·         June 23 - Bro. Wall - "How can I use stories to teach others about the priesthood?"

·         June 30 - Sis. Hooper – TBD

June 9 Preview – 

Outline: "Why is it important to follow the counsel given by priesthood leaders?"

Using the scriptures and Elder Oaks' talk "Two Lines of Communication" we will discuss the importance of priesthood leaders in the church and in our own spiritual development and relationship with our Father in Heaven.  We will also discuss class members' experiences with following the counsel of priesthood leaders and blessings that they have received.

Gospel Doctrine Preview

Lesson 21: “Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come”

Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 29:9–29; 34:5–12; 45:16–75; 88:86–99;101:22–34; 133.

The Doctrine and Covenants provides a wealth of information about the Second Coming, the events that will precede it, and the thousand years of peace that will begin when the Savior comes again.

Read D&C 29:9–11; 34:7–12; 45:44–54; 49:6–7; 133:46–53. What do these passages teach about the Savior’s Second Coming?

The Savior’s Second Coming will usher in the thousand-year period called the Millennium. What will life on earth be like during the Millennium? (See D&C 45:58–59; 101:23–34.) How can this knowledge about the Millennium be a blessing in your life now?

What can you do in your life now to prepare for the Second Coming? (See the scripture chain below.)

Scripture Chain: Preparing for the Second Coming

• D&C 27:15–18

• D&C 43:20–23

• D&C 45:32, 35, 56–57

• D&C 101:22–23

• D&C 133:4–5, 11 

Memorial Day - What better place to offer your memorials than in the temple.

Good morning Hawes Ward-

The Joy of Redeeming the Dead
"Have you prayed about your own ancestors’ work? Set aside those things in your life that don’t really matter. Decide to do something that will have eternal consequences. Perhaps you have been prompted to look for ancestors but feel you are not a genealogist. Can you see that you don’t have to be anymore? It all begins with love and a sincere desire to help those beyond the veil who can’t help themselves. Check around. There will be someone in your area who can help you have success."
—Richard G. Scott,





12-13 Year old Review
On Sunday we discussed the topic, "what can I learn from living prophets and apostles?"

We talked about ancient prophets and things they had taught us. We then discussed some of the challenges that the class members face today. We considered that our challenges are a concern to our modern day prophets, and that if we listen to and study their words we can find guidance, counsel and comfort to help us in our trials. The youth then had the opportunity to search for counsel from modern day prophets and apostles using conferences of the Ensign.

 They were challenged to continue to seek for guidance and help by studying the words of our modern day prophets by reading the Ensign and/or New Era.

12-13 year old preview
What can I learn from President Monson about following the Spirit?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/more?lang=eng
President Thomas S. Monson has said: “Not a day has gone by that I have not communicated with my Father in Heaven through prayer. It is a relationship I cherish—one I would literally be lost without. If you do not now have such a relationship with your Father in Heaven, I urge you to work toward that goal. As you do so, you will be entitled to His inspiration and guidance in your life—necessities for each of us if we are to survive spiritually during our sojourn here on earth. Such inspiration and guidance are gifts He freely gives if we but seek them. What treasures they are! I am always humbled and grateful when my Heavenly Father communicates with me through His inspiration. I have learned to recognize it, to trust it, and to follow it”
How has following the promptings of the Holy Ghost blessed your life?
How have you been inspired by President Monson’s example in this regard?


15-16 Year old Preview
What does it mean to bear testimony?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/testimony?lang=eng
We will discuss what a testimony is and what influence it can have on others.
I also want them to share any experiences of someone they have heard bear testimony and they felt the spirit confirm what they are saying to be true.  We will also try to remember key moments from the scriptures when prophets bore their testimony and the people responded both positively and negatively.

I will challenge them to find a time to bear their testimony during FHE or the next fast and testimony meeting, in class or even with friends.



16-18 year old review
Outline: What can I learn from living Prophets and Apostles?

We discussed the roles of living Prophets and Apostles and examples of how they are filling these roles.  We also discussed reasons why it is so significant and important to us to have Prophets and Apostles in our day.

The challenge was extended for class members to choose and read a conference talk and look specifically for teachings that can help them in their circumstances as well as pay close attention to their testimony of the Savior as a Special Witness of Him.


16-18 year old preview

What can I learn from President Monson about following the spirit.
 https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/more?lang=eng

Several members of our class were given different stories about President Monson that they will study during the week and come to class ready to tell the story and share any experiences that they have had as they tried to follow the Spirit.



Gospel Doctrine Review
Lesson 18- "Establish... a House of God"

Purpose: To help class members understand the significance of temples and encourage them to seek the blessings of the temple in their own lives.

Class Challenge:
Attend the Temple sometime this week. Ponder of the significance of it being on the Earth today. Ponder on the blessings it has given you and how you model your lives and home after it. What are the blessings of the Temple? How do you apply them in your lives and home?

Missionary Challenge:
·  Invite someone to go to the Mesa Temple Visitor center or to visit the Gilbert Temple.
·  Tell someone what the temple means to you.


Gospel Doctrine Preview
Lesson 19:
•  Read Moses 4:2, D&C 19:16–19, and 76:40–42. Why is the Atonement central to the plan of salvation?
The plan of salvation can be divided into three parts: premortal life, mortal life, and life after death.
What are some of the challenges you have faced during mortal life? How does knowing that there is life after death help you cope with these challenges?
Scripture Chain: The Plan of Salvation
Premortal life

• Job 38:4–7
• D&C 138:55–56
• Abraham 3:22–28

Mortal life

• Alma 42:9, 14
• D&C 29:40–43
• Articles of Faith 1:3

Life after death

• Alma 40:11–14
• Alma 42:11–13, 15
• D&C 76:111
• D&C 88:14–16

Are we fasting or just going hungry . . .

"God reveals to His prophets that there are moral absolutes. Sin will always be sin. Disobedience to the Lord’s commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. The world changes constantly and dramatically, but God, His commandments, and promised blessings do not change. They are immutable and unchanging."
—L. Tom Perry, "Obedience to Law Is Liberty"


May  “Come Follow Me” Videos
"Prophets and Revelation"



Click to watch: Watchman on the Tower and others
 
12 year old class review
Sister Spratling subbed the 12-13 class
 the topic was how can reverence help me receive revelation.
 Most of the class time was spent discussing prayer and revelation. The challenge was extended to ask,
seek, and knock, and ponder how The Lord might be speaking to you based off of Matt 7:7-8
 
12 year old class preview
What does it mean to bear testimony?

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/testimony?lang=eng

“There is absolutely nothing in this world that will provide more comfort and happiness than a testimony of the truth. … If you feel that you do not yet have the depth of testimony you would wish, I admonish you to work to achieve such a testimony. If it is strong and deep, labor to keep it that way. How blessed we are to have a knowledge of the truth.” - President Thomas S. Monson


 14-15 Year Old Class

 
16-18 Year old review. 
Outline: How does reverence help me receive revelation?
 
We discussed what reverence and revelation mean to class members and how they relate to each other as well as what the scriptures teach about them.  We talked about what role revelation can or should play in their lives and why it is important to them.  We related the experience of the early Saints in Missouri with the Lord's instruction to "Be still and know that I am God."  We also discussed their experiences and ideas regarding how they have or how they can increase a spirit of reverence in their lives.
 
The Challenge was given for them to take time each day this week to, in some way, "be still" and think about their relationship with their Heavenly Father to cultivate a spirit of reverence and to invite revelation to help them with their challenges.
 
May Class Schedule
2^nd - Sister Hooper:  https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/scripture?lang=eng
3^rd- Brother Wall:  https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/living?lang=eng
4^th- Sister Hooper:  https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/more?lang=eng


16-18 year old class preview
How can I improve my scripture study?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/scripture?lang=eng

This weeks lesson we will discuss how we can make our scripture study more meaningful.  We will look up different scriptures to talk about, and some ideas about how to mark scriptures, and have a question/answer session using an interview about scripture study from President Eyring.
 
Gospel Doctrine Review
Lesson 16 " Thou Shalt...Offer Up Thy Sacraments Upon My Holy Day"
 
What a great class this week. Thank you for sitting in the middle and your participation. Here's a lesson recap.
 
Principle of the Week: If I attend church, partake of the sacrament, and rest from our labors, then I will receive the Blessings God has Promised.
 
Those blessings are found in D&C 59:9,13,15-17 Please read and ponder those blessings. 
 
Challenge for the upcoming week: Prepare for our Sabbath worship. Enter the Chapel with reverence and respect. Enter the chapel ready to worship. Reflect on the story President Hinckley shared with respect to an investigating family. 
 
Missionary Challenge: Talk to someone about what you do on the Sunday. Invite those you share with to participate with you. 
 
Gospel Doctrine Preview
Lesson 17: The Law of Tithing and the Law of the Fast
Without prayer, fasting is not complete fasting, it’s simply going hungry. Joseph B. Wirthlin
https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-17-the-law-of-tithing-and-the-law-of-the-fast.p1?lang=eng
   Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 59:13–14, 21; 119; 120.
·         Read D&C 119:3–4. What is the Lord’s definition of tithing? What does the Lord promise those who pay tithing? (See Malachi 3:10–12 or3 Nephi 24:10–12.)
 
·         What are some purposes for fasting? What has the Lord promised to those who obey the law of the fast? (See Isaiah 58:8–12.) In what ways has fasting helped you?
Scripture Chain: Tithing
·         Genesis 14:18–20
·         Leviticus 27:30
·         Malachi 3:8–12
·         D&C 64:23
·         D&C 119
Scripture Chain: Fasting
·         Isaiah 58:5–11
·         D&C 59:13–16
 

Dare to Stand Alone

Quote of the week

"[God] lives, and He communicates with His children. This is the Church of Jesus Christ, and He leads it. No assignment in it need ever overwhelm you if you know that and listen for the Master's voice."

—Henry B. Eyring, "Hear the Voice of God"

May Come Follow Me Videos
"Prophets and Revelation"

Click to watch: Watchman on the Tower and others

16-18 Year Old Preview

Outline: How does reverence help me receive revelation?

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/prophets-revelation/reverent?lang=eng

We will discuss what reverence and revelation mean to class members and how they relate to each other as well as what the scriptures teach about them.  Class members will be asked to talk about what role revelation can or should play in their lives and why it is important to them.  We will also discuss their experiences and ideas regarding how they have or how they can increase a spirit of reverence in their lives.


Gospel Doctrine Preview

Lesson 16 "Thou Shalt Offer Up My Sacraments upon My Holy Day"

Class Guide Link

Purpose: To help class members strengthen their desire to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Class Challenge: This week think about ways that you are able to keep the focus of the Sabbath day. Think of some areas that you would like to improve and be prepared to share with the class. 

Missionary Challenge: Think of someone in your neighborhood, at work, or someone that you know that you could share what you do on the Sabbath day.

Invite them to share in your Sabbath day experience as you feel prompted :)

"Seek Ye The Best Gifts"

Quote of the week

"With great love and admiration for the many disciples of Jesus Christ who are not members of this Church, we humbly declare that angels have returned to the earth in our day. The Church of Jesus Christ as He established it anciently has been restored, with the power, ordinances, and blessings of heaven. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ."

—Neil L. Andersen, "What Thinks Christ of Me?"

Random Fact:  20 years ago today Apr 25, 1993, President Hinckley dedicated the San Diego Temple.

LESSON REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS

12 and 13 Year Old Class

Review

We discussed how we can recognize the difference between truth and
error, especially now when much of the world has wavering values and
views on what is acceptable or true. We discussed that truth and error
can be recognized by studying the scriptures, praying, and being
attentive to the influence of the Holy Ghost. We watched a video about
Wilford Woodruff and his search to find gospel truths and Christ's
true church. We discussed that there are still many people searching
for truth like Pres. woodruff was, and that we can help lead them to
the truth.

The youth were invited to remember the principles we
discussed throughout their lives and as they are faced with situations
when it might be difficult to recognize the truth.

Preview

" How can I liken the events of the Apostasy and the Restoration to my Life"

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/learn-more?lang=eng

To liken the scriptures means to see how scriptural events and circumstances are like the events and circumstances in our lives. Even though the events of the Apostasy and the Restoration occurred long ago, we can find ways to learn from these events and relate them to us today.

15 – 16 year old class

Review

The past two weeks have been focused on understanding the apostasy and the causes of how active members can slip into personal apostasy.  These are never big life changes, but subtle and coerced decisions to place distance between yourself and the Lord.  

We shared two stories to stand as examples.  The first is from the story of "The Smile Behind the Devil's Eyes."  In this story an FBI officer is investigating a drug house and sees the evidence needed upon entry.  His guard is down as he goes past the first occupant because of the smiling face.  He turns in time to disarm this first man and save both his life and his partner.  Upon reflection, he realized he had been tricked into a calm because he wasn't met with a direct challenge.  Satan will use these tricks to make his presence in our life greater.

The second story was about snakes attacking birds and the family realizing that what they had done to prepare while adequate for most known dangers at their home, were not enough to fully protect them and their property.  Satan will come to our homes to try and make his way in little by little.  We must be prepared for those big challenges and careful of the more subtle risks we face.  

We discussed the dangers of peer pressure and the ways things we know are wrong become packaged into a more attractive package that we will be tempted with.  Class members likened their challenges to those from the story.  We not only need to control our outer self but be cautious of who is let in to our inner circles.

Personal apostasy comes in a variety of forms.  We know this generation is truly challenged to a level we have never seen and cannot fully comprehend.  It is our role to help them prepare for the day when they are faced directly with the challenge to choose the right.

Preview

This week for the 14-15 year olds we will be learning about "Why is it important to teach pure doctrine?"  

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/pure-doctrine?lang=eng

We will cover why it is important to teach doctrine that we know and feel in our hearts through the spirit to be true.  It was prophesied that there will be false teachings by false prophets.  We must learn and teach with the spirit and with the scriptures.  

Challenge:

Re-memorize an article of faith.  This will help us remember the truths of the gospel and what we believe in.

16-18 year old class

Review

Outline: "What does Joseph Smith's example teach me about learning the Gospel?"

We discussed experiences of the Prophet Joseph Smith, especially relating to the First Vision, and class members shared related personal experiences.  We also discussed what his example teaches us about how to learn truth (especially gospel truths) and how his experiences apply to them in their life.  

The invitation/challenge was extended to take some time after church to remember and think about experiences experiences when they have wanted to know or feel something like Joseph Smith did and their experiences with having their prayers answered.  Class members were also challenged to apply something they've learned from Joseph Smith's  example of studying and learning truth in their scripture study this week.

Preview

Lesson preview:  How can I liken the events of the apostasy and restoration to my life?

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/learn-more?lang=eng

We will compare the great apostasy to a personal apostasy, and we will discuss the importance of likening the scriptures to our own lives.

Gospel Doctrine

Review

Lesson 14 "The Law of Consecration"

We talked a lot this week about the purposes of the law of consecration. We found that dedicating our time, talents and possessions to the work of the Lord isn't as far out of reach as we might of thought. Our everyday actions is a way to live the law of consecration. Accept the callings that are extended to you. Lord knows you and He has asked you to accept the call. 

Challenge: Find ways in which you can more fully live the law of consecration in your home. It is very easy to see how to do it for the ward, but not always what you do in  your home. Look around and see what you are doing well and how you might more fully commit to dedicate your time, talents and all that you posses to the work of the Lord there.

Preview 

Lesson 15: “Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts”

Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 46; Articles of Faith 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12–13;Moroni 10:8–18; Our Heritage, pages 42–43,47–48, 63.

Gifts of the Spirit are spiritual blessings or abilities that are given through the Holy Ghost. These gifts were taken from the earth during the Great Apostasy, but God restored them in the early days of this dispensation. God gives at least one of these gifts to every faithful member of His Church who has received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Which spiritual gifts are listed in D&C 46:13–25? What are some purposes of the gifts of the Spirit? (See D&C 46:8–9, 11–12, 26.)

What can you do to seek gifts of the Spirit? (See D&C 46:7, 9, 30–33.)

How can a patriarchal blessing help us in understanding what blessings or gifts the Lord may have given us or may yet give to us?

Scripture Chain: Gifts of the Spirit

• 1 Corinthians 12:1–12
• Moroni 10:8–18
• D&C 46:11–33
• Articles of Faith 1:7

Oh How Lovely Was the Morning

Happy Friday

Message for this week:

"Our Heavenly Father loves us. He sent His Only Begotten Son to be our Savior. He knew that in mortality we would be in grave danger, the worst of it from the temptations of a terrible adversary. That is one of the reasons the Savior has provided priesthood keys, so that those with ears to hear and faith to obey could go to places of safety."

—Henry B. Eyring

Come Follow Me April Videos

The Apostasy and the Restoration

  
        Click image to Watch

12-13 Year Old Class

12-13 Year Old Review

On 3/31 the 12-13 yr old class had a great discussion on how the
atonement and easter are interconnected. We discussed how the people
of the Book of Mormon learned about the atonement and experienced the
important events of easter. The members of the class teamed up to
teach one another object lessons about the atonement using random
objects such as an Easter egg, a nail, and a bar of soap, and finding
scriptures in the Book of Mormon to help present their lessons to the
class.

The class members were challenged to listen for object lessons
as they listened to general conference and to come to class prepared
to share what that object lesson was, and what principle it was meant
to teach.

12-13 Year Old Preview

Class 12-13 Preview :

 How can I explain the Apostasy and the Restoration to others?
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/teach-others?lang=eng

Most of us will have the opportunity to share gospel truths with
others. Because the Apostasy and the Restoration are essential
principles of the restored gospel, it is important that we know how to
explain these truths to others. We should testify in a way that
doesn’t sound offensive but expresses the significance of the
Restoration of the gospel.


14-15 Year Old Class

April: The Apostasy and the Restoration

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration?lang=eng

“I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph” (D&C 35:17).

The events of the Apostasy and the Restoration hold important lessons that the youth can apply to their efforts to learn and teach the gospel. Encourage the youth to ask questions about what they are learning, to seek to learn more, and to teach others what they discover.


16-18 Year Old Class

16-18 Year Old Review
Outline: How can the Book of Mormon help me strengthen my faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

We discussed what the Book of Mormon is, it's purpose and why it is so important and sacred to us.  We also discussed what we can learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ from the testimonies and experiences recorded in the Book of Mormon and how they can apply to us.  We watched a video portraying Christ's visit to the Americas and discussed how the Book of Mormon and the Atonement help us prepare for His second coming.

The challenge was given to take time to read from the Book of Mormon this week and come to class prepared to discuss a scripture about the Savior that is meaningful to them.  The challenge was also given to any who have not yet gained a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon or of Jesus Christ to take the opportunity to read, study and pray to know the truth for themselves.

16-18 Year Old Class

April Lesson Schedule
Sister Hooper :  How can I recognize the difference between truth and error  https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/difference?lang=eng

Brother Wall:  What does Joseph Smith's example teach me about learning the gospel  https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/example?lang=eng

 16-18 Year Old Lesson Preview:
Our lesson is "How can I recognize the difference between truth and error"

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ss/apostasy-restoration/difference?lang=eng

 We will discuss what some of the falsehoods the youth have or are dealing with in their lives, and what we can do about them.  We will also use the scriptures to help the youth learn the criteria for knowing if something is true or false, and Joseph's Smith's example of how he found truth.

For your challenge:
I feel I've grown closer to the youth by taking time before each class to have them tell us what is going on in their lives and following up with things they tell us.  I am hoping to get to their concerts or sporting events, but haven't been able to yet.  I bring the class treats on their birthday, and I've tried to occasionally email or text youth or parents if they haven't come in a while to let them know that we missed them.

Gospel Doctrine

Gospel Doctrine Review

Lesson 12: "The Gathering of My People"

The main idea of this lesson is the gathering of Israel. Thanks for participating in gathering together in the middle of the chapel for the lesson. It really does make a difference with conversations and how the lesson can grow and develop! 

The Lord is still gathering his people today through the stakes of Zion. We looked on that from a ward perspective.

Take the challenge to look at our homes and see if we are creating a stake of Zion in the walls of our own home. How are we doing that. What can we do to improve? 

Gospel Doctrine Preview

Lesson 13: “This Generation Shall Have My Word through You”

https://www.lds.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-and-church-history-class-member-study-guide/lesson-13-this-generation-shall-have-my-word-through-you?lang=eng

Purpose:  To help class members appreciate the Prophet Joseph Smith’s role in bringing forth the word of the Lord in this dispensation.

“Few men on earth,” said Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “either in or out of the Church, have caught the vision of what the Book of Mormon is all about. Few are they among men who know the part it has played and will yet play in preparing the way for the coming of Him of whom it is a new witness . . . The Book of Mormon shall so affect men that the whole earth and all its peoples will have been influenced and governed by it. (The Millennial Messiah [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 19821, pp. 159, 170, 179.)


Try to imagine your life without any contribution or influence from Joseph Smith. How many times every day do you say or think or feel or know something because of his work. Does the Lord know of your gratitude for what his first latter-day prophet has done for you?