Brethren,
It has been yet another blessed week here in Plainview, as I am sure it has been across the world and the alternate stakes of Zion. I am grateful for the special spirit of the Lord that has abounded our daily lives, and the chances of which I have had to serve others. This service has been making more out of me, than I could ever of done on my own. The Lord is capable of shaping loving, and capable individuals from all walks of life if they have but Faith, Hope and Charity. He can refine us all, and this I am grateful for.
As the Blog title indicates, "The Changes Are Nigh At Hand..." , surely I will elaborate. I do not know, how long this has been the case outside of my residence in the city of Plainview. I have lived in Plainview since May of 2008, and been a functioning, back to church individual only since October 2008. Since that time, there have been many occasions where I frequently, month after long month, would visit the Plainview Daily Herald's Website to see all the Churches represented in the city of Plainview. (For there are a great many in this city of 29 to 32 thousand or so - 29,000 according to the 2000 Census)
When I would do so, month after month I never would see any representation of our Faith, never see any coverage of any items concerning us. Finally, two days ago I reached a point of thought where I knew that I needed to inquire and / or do something about this issue! So I got ahold of the Plainview Daily Herald, and asked them why they did not. They didn't have any reason or information on us, so therefore no coverage. I supplied the lady with the information on the Branch, the official lds.org directed Branch Page, and she said she would fix it. Indeed she did fix it. Now, under the Community Links, and Under Churches, you will see an official representation of our faith here in Plainview. The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints.
To view this online, please visit the following link: Plainview Daily Herald Online- MyPlainview.com
I can feel the Lord behind us in this great work all the way! I know he is mindful of our efforts and is willing to bless those who try. He says, "Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength." (D & C 33:7) Many of us may take this scripture too lightly, and this may be why immediately after the Lord says this, that in the very next verse he says, "Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness." (D & C 33:8)
So, in a world of sorrow and sin, of lower standards and critical review of any religious standards, we need but turn to the Lord to guide us for the direction in which way we should act. In All diligence, as "He" would have us do. How do we do this again? Let us review what Section 33 was for. Section 33 came because Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet asked Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord as to how the Lord would have them proceed with many different things. But we know that we are to liken all scriptures unto ourselves. The Lord gives us them, for a reason... thus this scripture at the near end of the same above mentioned Section, "And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things."
We can make it through the bad changes, and certainly can help bring about good ones! Such is my testimony to you Brethren, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
**Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th @ 8:30 a.m. - Stake Merit badge clinic (ATTENTION ** THIS HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 9TH @ 8:30 A.M. **)
Sunday, September 19th @ 8:30 a.m. - P.E.C.
Saturday, September 25th @ 7:00 p.m. - General Relief Society Telecast @ Stake Center (** ATTENTION, SHOULD A BROTHER HAVE A WIFE THAT CAN NOT DRIVE TO LUBBOCK, CONSIDER LOADING IT UP ON YOUR COMPUTER AT HOME. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT PRESIDENT ROBERTS, SHARP, CALDERON OR BEARDSLEY **)
Sunday, September 26th @ 8:30 a.m. - Welfare Meeting
Friday, October 1st Through 5th - Temple Closed
Saturday, October 2nd Through 3rd - General Conference
Saturday, October 2nd Priesthood Sessioin
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
*****************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Faith in Jesus Christ - Lesson For 9-19-10
Visit http://plainvieweq.blogspot.com ! This post contains videos!
Faith is a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21; see also Hebrews 11:1). Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities.
Would we study and learn if we did not believe we could obtain wisdom and knowledge? Would we work each day if we did not hope that by doing so we could accomplish something? Would a farmer plant if he did not expect to harvest? Each day we act upon things we hope for when we cannot see the end result. This is faith. (See Hebrews 11:3.)
Many scriptural stories tell how great things were accomplished through faith.
By faith Noah built an ark and saved his family from the flood (see Hebrews 11:7). Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea (see Hebrews 11:29). Elijah called down fire from heaven (see 1 Kings 18:17–40). Nephi called for a famine (see Helaman 11:3–5). He also asked the Lord to end the famine (see Helaman 11:9–17). Seas have been calmed, visions opened, and prayers answered, all through the power of faith.
As we carefully study the scriptures, we learn that faith is a strong belief of truth within our souls that motivates us to do good. This causes us to ask: In whom should we have faith?
(**I typically dont do video inserts with these lessons, but felt this appropriate.**)
To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in Him that we obey whatever He commands. As we place our faith in Jesus Christ, becoming His obedient disciples, Heavenly Father will forgive our sins and prepare us to return to Him.
The Apostle Peter preached that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12; see also Mosiah 3:17). Jacob taught that men must have “perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel [Jesus Christ], or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 9:23). Through faith in the Savior and through repentance, we make His Atonement fully effective in our lives. Through faith we can also receive strength to overcome temptations (see Alma 37:33).
We cannot have faith in Jesus Christ without also having faith in our Heavenly Father. If we have faith in Them, we will also have faith that the Holy Ghost, whom They send, will teach us all truth and will comfort us.
How can we increase our faith? The same way we increase or develop any other skill. How do we develop skills in woodcarving, weaving, painting, cooking, making pottery, or playing a musical instrument? We study and practice and work at it. As we do so, we improve. So it is with faith. If we want to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we must work at it. The prophet Alma compared the word of God to a seed that must be nurtured by faith:
“But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
“Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding. …
“Now behold, would not this increase your faith?” (Alma 32:27–29).
So we can increase our faith in God by acting on our desire to have faith in Him.
We can also increase our faith by praying to Heavenly Father about our hopes, desires, and needs (see Alma 34:17–26). But we must not suppose that all we have to do is ask. We are told in the scriptures that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). The following story is about a man whose faith was shown by his works.
This man wanted to study the scriptures, but he could not read. He prayed for Heavenly Father to help him learn to read. In time a teacher came to his village, and he asked the teacher to help him. He learned the alphabet. He studied sounds and learned to put the letters together to make words. Soon he was reading simple words. The more he practiced, the more he learned. He thanked the Lord for sending the teacher and for helping him learn to read. This man has increased his faith, humility, and knowledge to such a degree that he has served as a branch president in the Church.
President Spencer W. Kimball explained, “There must be works with faith. How foolish it would be to ask the Lord to give us knowledge, but how wise to ask the Lord’s help to acquire knowledge, to study constructively, to think clearly, and to retain things that we have learned” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 205; italics in original).
Faith involves doing all we can to bring about the things wehope and pray for. President Kimball said: “In faith we plant the seed, and soon we see the miracle of the blossoming. Men have often misunderstood and have reversed the process.” He continued by explaining that many of us want to have health and strength without keeping the health laws. We want to have prosperity without paying our tithes. We want to be close to the Lord but don’t want to fast and pray. We want to have rain in due season and to have peace in the land without observing the Sabbath as a holy day and without keeping the other commandments of the Lord. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 142.)
An important way to increase our faith is to hear and study the word of the Lord. We hear the word of the Lord at our Church meetings. We can study His word in the scriptures. “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).
“When faith comes it brings … apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth; for these are the effects of faith. … And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent—whom to know is eternal life” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 83).
**Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th @ 8:30 a.m. - Stake Merit badge clinic (ATTENTION ** THIS HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 9TH @ 8:30 A.M. **)
Sunday, September 19th @ 8:30 a.m. - P.E.C.
Saturday, September 25th @ 7:00 p.m. - General Relief Society Telecast @ Stake Center (** ATTENTION, SHOULD A BROTHER HAVE A WIFE THAT CAN NOT DRIVE TO LUBBOCK, CONSIDER LOADING IT UP ON YOUR COMPUTER AT HOME. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT PRESIDENT ROBERTS, SHARP, CALDERON OR BEARDSLEY **)
Sunday, September 26th @ 8:30 a.m. - Welfare Meeting
Friday, October 1st Through 5th - Temple Closed
Saturday, October 2nd Through 3rd - General Conference
Saturday, October 2nd Priesthood Sessioin
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
*****************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
“Chapter 18: Faith in Jesus Christ,”
Gospel Principles, (2009),101–6
What Is Faith?
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel. It is a spiritual gift, and it is necessary to our salvation. King Benjamin declared, “Salvation cometh to none … except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Mosiah 3:12).Faith is a “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (Alma 32:21; see also Hebrews 11:1). Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities.
Would we study and learn if we did not believe we could obtain wisdom and knowledge? Would we work each day if we did not hope that by doing so we could accomplish something? Would a farmer plant if he did not expect to harvest? Each day we act upon things we hope for when we cannot see the end result. This is faith. (See Hebrews 11:3.)
Many scriptural stories tell how great things were accomplished through faith.
By faith Noah built an ark and saved his family from the flood (see Hebrews 11:7). Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea (see Hebrews 11:29). Elijah called down fire from heaven (see 1 Kings 18:17–40). Nephi called for a famine (see Helaman 11:3–5). He also asked the Lord to end the famine (see Helaman 11:9–17). Seas have been calmed, visions opened, and prayers answered, all through the power of faith.
As we carefully study the scriptures, we learn that faith is a strong belief of truth within our souls that motivates us to do good. This causes us to ask: In whom should we have faith?
-
• Think about your everyday activities. What are things you act upon
each day that you cannot see the end results of? How does faith move you
to action?
Why Should We Have Faith in Jesus Christ?
We must center our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.(**I typically dont do video inserts with these lessons, but felt this appropriate.**)
To have faith in Jesus Christ means to have such trust in Him that we obey whatever He commands. As we place our faith in Jesus Christ, becoming His obedient disciples, Heavenly Father will forgive our sins and prepare us to return to Him.
The Apostle Peter preached that “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12; see also Mosiah 3:17). Jacob taught that men must have “perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel [Jesus Christ], or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 9:23). Through faith in the Savior and through repentance, we make His Atonement fully effective in our lives. Through faith we can also receive strength to overcome temptations (see Alma 37:33).
We cannot have faith in Jesus Christ without also having faith in our Heavenly Father. If we have faith in Them, we will also have faith that the Holy Ghost, whom They send, will teach us all truth and will comfort us.
-
• How can faith in Jesus Christ influence us in our Church callings?
in our family relationships? in our jobs? How does faith in Jesus Christ
influence our hope for eternal life?
How Can We Increase Our Faith in Jesus Christ?
Knowing of the many blessings that come through exercising faith in Jesus Christ, we should seek to increase our faith in Him. The Savior said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, … nothing shall be impossible unto you” (Matthew 17:20). A mustard seed is very small, but it grows into a large tree.How can we increase our faith? The same way we increase or develop any other skill. How do we develop skills in woodcarving, weaving, painting, cooking, making pottery, or playing a musical instrument? We study and practice and work at it. As we do so, we improve. So it is with faith. If we want to increase our faith in Jesus Christ, we must work at it. The prophet Alma compared the word of God to a seed that must be nurtured by faith:
“But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
“Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding. …
“Now behold, would not this increase your faith?” (Alma 32:27–29).
So we can increase our faith in God by acting on our desire to have faith in Him.
We can also increase our faith by praying to Heavenly Father about our hopes, desires, and needs (see Alma 34:17–26). But we must not suppose that all we have to do is ask. We are told in the scriptures that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17). The following story is about a man whose faith was shown by his works.
This man wanted to study the scriptures, but he could not read. He prayed for Heavenly Father to help him learn to read. In time a teacher came to his village, and he asked the teacher to help him. He learned the alphabet. He studied sounds and learned to put the letters together to make words. Soon he was reading simple words. The more he practiced, the more he learned. He thanked the Lord for sending the teacher and for helping him learn to read. This man has increased his faith, humility, and knowledge to such a degree that he has served as a branch president in the Church.
President Spencer W. Kimball explained, “There must be works with faith. How foolish it would be to ask the Lord to give us knowledge, but how wise to ask the Lord’s help to acquire knowledge, to study constructively, to think clearly, and to retain things that we have learned” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 205; italics in original).
Faith involves doing all we can to bring about the things wehope and pray for. President Kimball said: “In faith we plant the seed, and soon we see the miracle of the blossoming. Men have often misunderstood and have reversed the process.” He continued by explaining that many of us want to have health and strength without keeping the health laws. We want to have prosperity without paying our tithes. We want to be close to the Lord but don’t want to fast and pray. We want to have rain in due season and to have peace in the land without observing the Sabbath as a holy day and without keeping the other commandments of the Lord. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 142.)
An important way to increase our faith is to hear and study the word of the Lord. We hear the word of the Lord at our Church meetings. We can study His word in the scriptures. “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).
-
• What relationship do you see between our faith and our actions?
What Are Some Blessings That Follow Faith?
Through the gift of faith, miracles are wrought, angels appear, other gifts of the Spirit are given, prayers are answered, and men become the sons of God (see Moroni 7:25–26, 36–37).“When faith comes it brings … apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth; for these are the effects of faith. … And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom, until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent—whom to know is eternal life” (Lectures on Faith [1985], 83).
-
• What are some stories from the scriptures in which people have
become stronger because they had faith in Jesus Christ? How have you
seen this happen in your own life?
Additional Scriptures
-
• Hebrews 11; Alma 32 (nature of faith explained)
-
• Exodus 14:19–22 (parting the waters of the Red Sea)
-
• Genesis 6–8 (Noah and the flood)
-
• Matthew 8:5–33 (sick healed, tempest calmed, miracles of faith)
-
• Mark 5:25–34 (healed by faith)
-
• Romans 10:17 (faith comes by hearing the word of God)
**Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th @ 8:30 a.m. - Stake Merit badge clinic (ATTENTION ** THIS HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 9TH @ 8:30 A.M. **)
Sunday, September 19th @ 8:30 a.m. - P.E.C.
Saturday, September 25th @ 7:00 p.m. - General Relief Society Telecast @ Stake Center (** ATTENTION, SHOULD A BROTHER HAVE A WIFE THAT CAN NOT DRIVE TO LUBBOCK, CONSIDER LOADING IT UP ON YOUR COMPUTER AT HOME. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT PRESIDENT ROBERTS, SHARP, CALDERON OR BEARDSLEY **)
Sunday, September 26th @ 8:30 a.m. - Welfare Meeting
Friday, October 1st Through 5th - Temple Closed
Saturday, October 2nd Through 3rd - General Conference
Saturday, October 2nd Priesthood Sessioin
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
*****************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
Two More Incredible Videos Well Worth Watching!
Visit http://plainvieweq.blogspot.com ! This post contains videos!
I was introduced to the composer Rob Gardner through an online acquaintance many in the "You-Tube World" know very well. This project here, called the "Lamb Of God" , has been one project that Rob has had the idea and foundation on for some time. Here is a launch clip preview that aired seven months ago.
Seeing this profound clip, stirs me to emotions near the surface. What is it that the life of the Savior does for us? What do we think of when we ponder the suffering in Gethsemane.... for us? Ponder that long, and hard. This following video was released on September 14th, 2010, with a live view of Rob Gardner conducting and leading the London Symphony Orchestra. Watch the video, and feel the power of the Holy Ghost that comes through this music. This is inspiring.
I hope you have seen and felt the Spirit in these videos. I now wish to show you the most reecent Mormon Messages Video, released live September 14th, 2010 in the afternoon. Ponder the message, pray about the message and then watch it again. As always, be prayerful for the Holy Ghost to continue to bear witness unto you of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope this message reaches all of you in the good health and strength of the Lord.
**Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th @ 8:30 a.m. - Stake Merit badge clinic (ATTENTION ** THIS HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 9TH @ 8:30 A.M. **)
Sunday, September 19th @ 8:30 a.m. - P.E.C.
Saturday, September 25th @ 7:00 p.m. - General Relief Society Telecast @ Stake Center (** ATTENTION, SHOULD A BROTHER HAVE A WIFE THAT CAN NOT DRIVE TO LUBBOCK, CONSIDER LOADING IT UP ON YOUR COMPUTER AT HOME. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT PRESIDENT ROBERTS, SHARP, CALDERON OR BEARDSLEY **)
Sunday, September 26th @ 8:30 a.m. - Welfare Meeting
Friday, October 1st Through 5th - Temple Closed
Saturday, October 2nd Through 3rd - General Conference
Saturday, October 2nd Priesthood Sessioin **Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
*****************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-12-10 Combined High Priests & Elders; "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 17 - Page 95)
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
I was introduced to the composer Rob Gardner through an online acquaintance many in the "You-Tube World" know very well. This project here, called the "Lamb Of God" , has been one project that Rob has had the idea and foundation on for some time. Here is a launch clip preview that aired seven months ago.
Seeing this profound clip, stirs me to emotions near the surface. What is it that the life of the Savior does for us? What do we think of when we ponder the suffering in Gethsemane.... for us? Ponder that long, and hard. This following video was released on September 14th, 2010, with a live view of Rob Gardner conducting and leading the London Symphony Orchestra. Watch the video, and feel the power of the Holy Ghost that comes through this music. This is inspiring.
I hope you have seen and felt the Spirit in these videos. I now wish to show you the most reecent Mormon Messages Video, released live September 14th, 2010 in the afternoon. Ponder the message, pray about the message and then watch it again. As always, be prayerful for the Holy Ghost to continue to bear witness unto you of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I hope this message reaches all of you in the good health and strength of the Lord.
**Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 18th @ 8:30 a.m. - Stake Merit badge clinic (ATTENTION ** THIS HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO OCTOBER 9TH @ 8:30 A.M. **)
Sunday, September 19th @ 8:30 a.m. - P.E.C.
Saturday, September 25th @ 7:00 p.m. - General Relief Society Telecast @ Stake Center (** ATTENTION, SHOULD A BROTHER HAVE A WIFE THAT CAN NOT DRIVE TO LUBBOCK, CONSIDER LOADING IT UP ON YOUR COMPUTER AT HOME. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CONTACT PRESIDENT ROBERTS, SHARP, CALDERON OR BEARDSLEY **)
Sunday, September 26th @ 8:30 a.m. - Welfare Meeting
Friday, October 1st Through 5th - Temple Closed
Saturday, October 2nd Through 3rd - General Conference
Saturday, October 2nd Priesthood Sessioin **Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
*****************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-12-10 Combined High Priests & Elders; "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 17 - Page 95)
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
New 'Temples' booklet coming to Church magazine subscribers
By R. Scott Lloyd
Church News staff writer
The 81-page, full-color publication includes updated photos of many of the Church's existing temples, plus doctrinal articles by President Thomas S. Monson and other Church leaders present and past.
A wraparound cover that encloses the booklet for mailing purposes
contains an explanatory message. It notes that the decision to revise the
booklet was made more than a year ago.
"The booklet was out of print in some languages, and members were asking how they could get a copy," the message explains. "Rather than reprint a booklet that did not contain a message from President Thomas S. Monson and ignored the scores of temples that have been built since the last edition was printed, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles approved the creation of an updated edition."
Displaying a copy of the new publication, Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi of the
Seventy said the temples booklet originated as the November 1955 issue of
the Improvement Era magazine, forerunner to today's Ensign. Since then, it
has been updated eight times, the last in 1999, published in 30
languages.
The updated booklet will reach Church members simultaneously in 45 languages, Elder Kikuchi said. After it has been mailed out, it will be available for purchase from LDS distribution centers.
Elder Kikuchi highlighted these additions to this newest revision of the
temples booklet:
Carried over from previous editions of the booklet are the articles "Why
These Temples," by President Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Holy Temple," by
President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve, and "A
Temple-Motivated People," by President Howard W. Hunter.
"A History of Temples," an article by Elder James E. Talmage, a member
of the Quorum of the Twelve from 1911 until his death in 1933, has been
shortened from previous editions.
A children's section has been revised to make it more interactive and easier for children to read, and a youth section has been revised to make it more engaging. A list of "Commonly Asked Questions" has been updated.
Asked how Church members might best use the new booklet, Elder Kikuchi, who served as president of the Tokyo Japan Temple from 1994 to 1997 had several suggestions:
"For Church members, for children, for youth and for those not of our faith, this is a great product," he said. "I can say that as you read it, you feel the warmth of the Spirit."
rscott@desnews.com
*****Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Sunday, September 12th @ 8:30 a.m.- Branch Council
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
***Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-12-10 Combined High Priests & Elders; "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 17 - Page 95)
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
Church News staff writer
Published: Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010
Ensign and Liahona magazines subscribers soon will be greeted with something special in their mailboxes. In place of the regular October edition of either magazine, they will receive a new, updated version of the booklet "Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
IRI
As with previous editions, cover of new "Temples"
booklet shows the Salt Lake Temple. Photos featured in the updated
edition are recent.
The 81-page, full-color publication includes updated photos of many of the Church's existing temples, plus doctrinal articles by President Thomas S. Monson and other Church leaders present and past.
IRI
In place of the regular October edition of the
Ensign and Liahona magazines, subscribers to the Church magazines will
receive a new, updated version of the booklet "Temples of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The booklet will be provided in 45
languages.
"The booklet was out of print in some languages, and members were asking how they could get a copy," the message explains. "Rather than reprint a booklet that did not contain a message from President Thomas S. Monson and ignored the scores of temples that have been built since the last edition was printed, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles approved the creation of an updated edition."
IRI
The updated booklet will reach Church members simultaneously in 45 languages, Elder Kikuchi said. After it has been mailed out, it will be available for purchase from LDS distribution centers.
IRI
An eight-page photo essay of temples with quotes
from Church leaders that tie temple work to Jesus Christ and His
Atonement.
New photos of several of the Church's 134
currently operating temples. (There are even exterior and interior photos
of the temple in Kirtland, Ohio, the first one constructed in this
dispensation, but which is not currently operational.)
A new article, "Blessings of the Temple," by
President Thomas S. Monson. "The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a
beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory," President
Monson declares in the article.
An article by Elder Russell M. Nelson of the
Quorum of the Twelve, "Prepare for the Blessings of the Temple," adapted
from an earlier article appearing in the March 2002 Ensign.
Another photo essay, "Things Pertaining to the
House of the Lord," featuring interior photos of temples.
Two articles, "Our Temple Marriage Was Worth Any
Price" and "Our Boys Were with Us."
IRI
IRI
A children's section has been revised to make it more interactive and easier for children to read, and a youth section has been revised to make it more engaging. A list of "Commonly Asked Questions" has been updated.
Asked how Church members might best use the new booklet, Elder Kikuchi, who served as president of the Tokyo Japan Temple from 1994 to 1997 had several suggestions:
For already endowed members, "it is an aid to
remembering the sacred temple experience, the associated covenants and
blessings, and the individual responsibilities of members to do family
history work to identify their ancestors and to provide essential temple
ordinances for them by actively participating in temple service."
"It will be a wonderful review for a couple who
are planning to get married," he said.
The booklet may be used in a ward or stake
temple-preparation class.
"If people not of our faith ask what the temple
is, this will be very great material to respond to their question."
President Monson has made a point of urging the rescuing of those who
have fallen away, to help them come to the temple and be sealed as an
eternal family, Elder Kikuchi noted, saying that the new temples booklet
could be used to help them in their return."For Church members, for children, for youth and for those not of our faith, this is a great product," he said. "I can say that as you read it, you feel the warmth of the Spirit."
rscott@desnews.com
*****Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Sunday, September 12th @ 8:30 a.m.- Branch Council
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com**
***Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-12-10 Combined High Priests & Elders; "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 17 - Page 95)
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Personal Conversion : A Prelude & Hallmark of the September First Presidency Message
When you know that the Spirit of the Lord testifies to you of the truthfulness of all things, you know you have found a precious gem worth treasuring and speaking highly of. Better said, how many of us, when we find something we like.... something we love.... what is the very first thing we do in regards to that? We run to share our love of that item with everyone! We are all capable of relating to that.
Given that many people have different likes and dislikes, we cannot expect one person to react the same way another person would all the time. Chances are there will be similarities, but in short, we all are different. Some may try, or look at, or invest in whatever it is that we excitedly share with them, but they will do so mostly as they desire of themselves. We place the seed of suggestion and they look into it based upon (perhaps) how convincing, or truthful, we sounded.
This can be tied into Missionary Work, but more importantly... Member Missionary Work. Before we really can put the significance of that type of Missionary Work into perspective, we must first change what we think we know about conversion. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles recently testified to the beta.lds.org team that...
"Well, as members of the Church, we all need to be true to what we know. I believe every member of this Church has a testimony. A testimony is what we know to be true not intellectually, but, by the power of the Holy Ghost. I'm not so sure every member of this Church is converted to the Lord Jesus Christ....because as we are increasingly converted we become more consistent and true to what we know. So it's one thing to know that it is true, it's another thing to be consistently true to what we know. The members of the Church need to have more than testimonies, they need to be converted. That produces a Spiritual fruit in our lives, if you will... that's evident to other people and they will inquire; And we should never be ashamed to give a reason for the hope that is in us, which is focused on the Lord Jesus Christ....so it is a more elaborate way of saying we need to live what we know. It's more than being an example, it's living what we know. As we do that... in a world that's becoming more confused and where evil influences are ever more pervasive... that goodness will shine, and people will be attracted to that light."
Knowing that, allow me now to progress into how our conversion plays into Member Missionary Work. President McCombs was the second speaker at this Priesthood Meeting and delivered one of the most powerful affirmations of the need of conversion. He stated to us, "My personal conversion to the Gospel came as a junior in high school- in and through seminary..". Why is that significant? It was a stepping stone of instruction that taught him to look to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed through the Book of Mormon. He had to believe it, or it may have had no fruit in his life.
In an age full of destitute moral standards, and suggestive themes that were seemingly science-fiction not but 60 years ago... the critical time of preparation is young! The responsibility falls upon the parents for this great honor and calling that is Eternally ours, and though it is very significant, I only wish to add one thing President Monson said in a talk concerning the kids that these very parents are responsible for; He said:
"Dr. Glenn J. Doman, noted author and medical authority, wrote: “The newborn child is almost an exact duplicate of an empty … computer, although superior to such a computer in almost every way.
… What is placed in the child’s [mind] during the first eight years of life is probably there to stay.
… If you put misinformation into his [mind] during [this period], it is extremely difficult to erase it.”
Dr. Doman added that the most receptive age in human life is that of two or three years.
I like this thought: “Your mind is a cupboard, and you stock the shelves.”
Let us make certain that our cupboard shelves, and those of our family members, are stocked with the things which will provide safety to our souls and enable us to return to our Father in Heaven. Such shelves could well be stocked with gospel scholarship, faith, prayer, love, service, obedience, example, and kindness.
This all helps provide the blocks for the means to prepare to serve that Mission, whether it is serving two years as a full time missionary, or simply serving and honoring in your calling... prepare!
President McCombs also shared the sweet testimony that, "I do not believe that there is a better way to be prepared for a mission, than through the study of the Book Of Mormon." The great vision of the vine has been taken hold of, and affirmed through the Spirit, of it's authenticity and because of it we know that our Stake Presidency has received the vision of the vine, which includes a second stake in Lubbock in ten years. This also includes the Plainview Branch, becoming the Plainview Ward!
Next, President McCombs shared the scripture, " Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." (Doctrine & Covenants 88:81) which he likened the scripture by saying, "We need to warn and invite all to the church, but need to be patient in the challenge of Member Missionary work." He provided a few options to support his statement...
1) [Our Need] To have a desire.
Certainly we have to have the desire to do the work. President Shumway has continually driven
home that we need to "Increase Our Desire To Have A Deeper Level Of Trust And Faith"
(See The Shumway Sequence # 4)
2) [Don't Select] Talk to everyone; We need not be a shy people. Many won't come in, but the
fruit of your labor (The planted Seed of interest) may continue.
We need not get discouraged when "Our" plans for invitations to Church or Home Evenings
continue to fall on deaf ears; President Shumway also includes in his counsel to us, that "All Things
[Are] Accomplished According To The Lord's Timing". (See The Shumway Sequence # 2 ;
See also D & C 67:14)
3) When we invite, we succeed!
He said, "We succeed as Member Missionaries as we invite people. The Lord places people
in our path, which we can influence."
Some other things were mentioned by President McCombs, but he bore testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, and how it has influenced his life for great good. His testimony was worth sharing, and thats why I had to write this blog. I affirm also that these things are true, and I leave them with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
*****Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Saturday, September 11th - Court Of Honor for Alan Rivera
Sunday, September 12th @ 8:30 a.m.- Branch Council
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to...
PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com
*******************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-12-10 Combined High Priests & Elders; "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 17 - Page 95)
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
Given that many people have different likes and dislikes, we cannot expect one person to react the same way another person would all the time. Chances are there will be similarities, but in short, we all are different. Some may try, or look at, or invest in whatever it is that we excitedly share with them, but they will do so mostly as they desire of themselves. We place the seed of suggestion and they look into it based upon (perhaps) how convincing, or truthful, we sounded.
This can be tied into Missionary Work, but more importantly... Member Missionary Work. Before we really can put the significance of that type of Missionary Work into perspective, we must first change what we think we know about conversion. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles recently testified to the beta.lds.org team that...
"Well, as members of the Church, we all need to be true to what we know. I believe every member of this Church has a testimony. A testimony is what we know to be true not intellectually, but, by the power of the Holy Ghost. I'm not so sure every member of this Church is converted to the Lord Jesus Christ....because as we are increasingly converted we become more consistent and true to what we know. So it's one thing to know that it is true, it's another thing to be consistently true to what we know. The members of the Church need to have more than testimonies, they need to be converted. That produces a Spiritual fruit in our lives, if you will... that's evident to other people and they will inquire; And we should never be ashamed to give a reason for the hope that is in us, which is focused on the Lord Jesus Christ....so it is a more elaborate way of saying we need to live what we know. It's more than being an example, it's living what we know. As we do that... in a world that's becoming more confused and where evil influences are ever more pervasive... that goodness will shine, and people will be attracted to that light."
Knowing that, allow me now to progress into how our conversion plays into Member Missionary Work. President McCombs was the second speaker at this Priesthood Meeting and delivered one of the most powerful affirmations of the need of conversion. He stated to us, "My personal conversion to the Gospel came as a junior in high school- in and through seminary..". Why is that significant? It was a stepping stone of instruction that taught him to look to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed through the Book of Mormon. He had to believe it, or it may have had no fruit in his life.
In an age full of destitute moral standards, and suggestive themes that were seemingly science-fiction not but 60 years ago... the critical time of preparation is young! The responsibility falls upon the parents for this great honor and calling that is Eternally ours, and though it is very significant, I only wish to add one thing President Monson said in a talk concerning the kids that these very parents are responsible for; He said:
"Dr. Glenn J. Doman, noted author and medical authority, wrote: “The newborn child is almost an exact duplicate of an empty … computer, although superior to such a computer in almost every way.
… What is placed in the child’s [mind] during the first eight years of life is probably there to stay.
… If you put misinformation into his [mind] during [this period], it is extremely difficult to erase it.”
Dr. Doman added that the most receptive age in human life is that of two or three years.
I like this thought: “Your mind is a cupboard, and you stock the shelves.”
Let us make certain that our cupboard shelves, and those of our family members, are stocked with the things which will provide safety to our souls and enable us to return to our Father in Heaven. Such shelves could well be stocked with gospel scholarship, faith, prayer, love, service, obedience, example, and kindness.
This all helps provide the blocks for the means to prepare to serve that Mission, whether it is serving two years as a full time missionary, or simply serving and honoring in your calling... prepare!
President McCombs also shared the sweet testimony that, "I do not believe that there is a better way to be prepared for a mission, than through the study of the Book Of Mormon." The great vision of the vine has been taken hold of, and affirmed through the Spirit, of it's authenticity and because of it we know that our Stake Presidency has received the vision of the vine, which includes a second stake in Lubbock in ten years. This also includes the Plainview Branch, becoming the Plainview Ward!
Next, President McCombs shared the scripture, " Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." (Doctrine & Covenants 88:81) which he likened the scripture by saying, "We need to warn and invite all to the church, but need to be patient in the challenge of Member Missionary work." He provided a few options to support his statement...
1) [Our Need] To have a desire.
Certainly we have to have the desire to do the work. President Shumway has continually driven
home that we need to "Increase Our Desire To Have A Deeper Level Of Trust And Faith"
(See The Shumway Sequence # 4)
2) [Don't Select] Talk to everyone; We need not be a shy people. Many won't come in, but the
fruit of your labor (The planted Seed of interest) may continue.
We need not get discouraged when "Our" plans for invitations to Church or Home Evenings
continue to fall on deaf ears; President Shumway also includes in his counsel to us, that "All Things
[Are] Accomplished According To The Lord's Timing". (See The Shumway Sequence # 2 ;
See also D & C 67:14)
3) When we invite, we succeed!
He said, "We succeed as Member Missionaries as we invite people. The Lord places people
in our path, which we can influence."
Some other things were mentioned by President McCombs, but he bore testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, and how it has influenced his life for great good. His testimony was worth sharing, and thats why I had to write this blog. I affirm also that these things are true, and I leave them with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
*****Lubbock Texas Stake Announcements:
Saturday, September 11th - Court Of Honor for Alan Rivera
Sunday, September 12th @ 8:30 a.m.- Branch Council
Friday, September 17th @ 8:00 p.m.- Branch Temple Day *Go out for Ice Cream at 10:00 p.m.
**Submit Your Testimony To Share On http://plainviewreview.blogspot.com by sending your story, missionary moment, inspiring thought or conversion story with testimony to...
PlainviewEldersQuorum@ldsliving.com
*******************Plainview Branch Elders & High Priest Lessons By Date:
9-12-10 Combined High Priests & Elders; "The Church of Jesus Christ Today" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 17 - Page 95)
9-19-10 "Faith in Jesus Christ" (Gospel Principles, Chapter 18 - Page 101)
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