Defenders of the Faith

Marie Madeline Cordon and her family were holding a Church service in their home in Italy when an angry mob of men gathered and began shouting for the missionaries to be brought outside. It was Marie who marched out of the house to confront the mob.

Mini Lesson for November 26, 2017

RS Mini Lesson—Nov. 26, 2017

Teaching For Our Times:  “Foundations of Faith (Quentin L. Cook)

Teacher:  Christina Robertson

“My plea is that we will make the sacrifices and have the humility necessary to strengthen the foundations of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “

 · “Personal foundations, like many worthwhile pursuits, are usually built slowly—one layer, one experience, one challenge, one setback, and one success at a time.” 

· “Physical, mental, and spiritual development have much in common. Physical development is fairly easy to see. Development is different for each person.“

· “In an increasingly secular world, less emphasis is placed on the amount of spiritual growth necessary to become more Christlike and establish the foundations that lead to enduring faith.”

· “Spiritual guidance is received when needed, in the Lord’s time and according to His will. Just as repetition and consistent effort are required to gain physical or mental capacity, the same is true in spiritual matters.”

· “Initial foundations of faith, even with spiritual confirmation, do not mean that we will not face challenges. Conversion to the gospel does not mean all our problems will be solved.”

· "Adversity should not be viewed as either disfavor from the Lord or a withdrawal of His blessings. Opposition in all things is part of the refiner’s fire to prepare us for an eternal celestial destiny.”

· "In the end, our faith in Jesus Christ is the essential foundation for our eternal salvation and exaltation. ”

We Must...

Spiritual Whirlwinds

Don’t let the whirlwinds drag you down. These are your days—to stand strong as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mini Lesson for November 19, 2017

Gordon B. Hinckley—Chapter 22: Reaching Out with Love to New Converts and Less-Active Members

Teacher:  Barbara Janke

“We must constantly [be] aware of the tremendous obligation to fellowship … those who come into the Church as converts, and to reach out with love to those who … step into the shadows of inactivity. ” 

 · We have a great responsibility to minister to the                      individual.

“Any member who falls into inactivity is a matter for serious   concern. The Lord left the ninety and nine to find the lost sheep.  His concern for [the one] was so serious that He made it the theme of one of His great lessons [see Luke 15:1–7].

· Every convert is precious and is a great and serious       responsibility.                                                                                                      “There is absolutely no point in doing missionary work unless we hold on to the fruits of that effort. The two must be inseparable. These converts are precious. … Every convert is a great and serious responsibility. It is an absolute imperative that we look after those who have become a part of us. … “

· Every convert needs friendship, a responsibility, and nurturing with the word of God.

· There is everything to gain and nothing to lose by coming back to Church activity.  

· For Latter-day Saints who return to Church activity, it will feel good to be home again.

Keep Calm...

Going to Grandma's

A grandmother plans to spend the day with her granddaughter, but can't get her to stay buckled in her car seat so they can leave.

MIni Lesson for November 12, 2017

Gordon B. Hinckley—Chapter 21: The Latter-Day Miracle of Missionary Work

Teacher:  Careen Walker

 

“I invite you to become a vast army with enthusiasm for this work and a great overarching desire to assist the missionaries in the tremendous responsibility they have. ” 

· We are to reach out to the world in missionary service, teaching all who will listen.                         

“Let us as Latter-day Saints reach out to others not of our faith. Let us never act in a spirit of arrogance or with a holier-than-thou attitude. Rather, may we show love and respect and helpfulness toward them. ”

· We are to help the full-time missionaries bring others to a knowledge of the truth.

“Opportunities for sharing the gospel are everywhere. … ”

· Full-time missionary work brings lasting happiness to those who serve.

· As we introduce others to the gospel, the Spirit of the Lord helps overcome differences between us.

““Wherefore, he that preacheth [by the Spirit] and he that receiveth [by the Spirit], understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.” (D&C 50:22.)”

· As we go forward in faith, the Lord will bless our efforts to introduce others to the gospel.

“Let us do our part in sharing the gospel with those around us, by example first and then by inspired precept.”

Charity Never Faileth

Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet

Two brothers attempt to climb a sheer canyon wall without any safety ropes or harnesses. Read Elder Holland's full conference address: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/where-justice-love-and-mercy-meet

Mini Lesson for November 5, 2017

Presidency Message: “Stand for truth and righteousness. Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth. ” 

Teacher:  Lynn Hansen 

God has given us the power of truth.

President Gordon B. Hinckley— “It’s refreshing, always to find people who stand up for standards and values that are tested and have been proved in the fires of history – such things as family solidarity, family loyalty, the importance of making something of one’s life, and serving society to improve the world of which we are a part.”

  

Mary Ellen Smoot—“We see sisters in this great Church who recognize the blessings of the restored priesthood.  We rejoice as each baby is blessed, each child is baptized, as we partake of the sacrament and are set apart for church callings and watch our husbands give fathers’ blessings.  We are grateful for priesthood blessings that light our way and give us direction and hope.  We rejoice in and support worthy priesthood holders.” 

Elder Robert D. Hales—“If the power of the priesthood were not upon the earth, the adversary would have freedom to roam and reign without restraint.  There would be no gift of the Holy Ghost to direct and enlighten us; no prophets to speak in the name of the Lord; no temples where we could make sacred, eternal covenants; no authority to bless or baptize, to heal or comfort.  Without the power of the priesthood, ‘the whole earth would be utterly wasted’ (D&C 2:1-3).  There would be no light, no hope – only darkness.”  

Relief

Weaving Our Spiritual Tapestry

Elder Hales explains the importance of creating a strong spiritual tapestry made of a variety of Christ-like characteristics.