Day One Entry: Dec 18, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 63 versus 33 through 64

Today in seminary we had some surprise guests, Jessica Van Alfen, and Jay Sean Jensen. They can reported to us about their missions and bore their testimonies. It was wonderful to hear from them and they hear what they had learned on their missions in their testimonies about the importance of seminary. After they left we talked about doctrine and covenants section 63 verse 34. In this verse the Lord talks about the calamities that are going to before all the saints in the last days and he makes a statement that hardly will the saints escape these calamities. We referenced from there Daniel chapter 3 verses 17 and 18 in the Old Testament, where Shadrach Meshach and Abendego stand up to King Nebuchadnezzar and refused to worship his golden idol. The king throws them into the furnace and just before he does these three men tell the King that God will save them, but if not they will not worship these false gods. The but if not is so important in life when bad things happen to good people. it's important to recognize that our life is just a small part of the eternities and God saves the righteous through the eternities.

Questions:
Can bath and is happened people that are keeping the Commandments?
Does that mean God does not love people who keep the Commandments?
Why do bad things happen to people to keep the Commandments?
How do you reconcile this in your minds from D&C section 63 first 34 and Daniel three verses 17 and 18.

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Day One Entry: Dec 16, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 63

In this section Joseph Smith has returned to Kirtland Ohio from Missouri. He in the brother are getting revelation for different aspects of the church.

We talked about seeking signs and why it is problematic to seek for a sign to develop faith. We learned that first faith and testimony have to be developed and then God gives signs to those who believe. However, signs do not come before belief and testimony. Also we talked about lust and adultery and how important it is to stay away from fornication or things that develop or cultivate sexual desire in us before we are married, and then only appropriately experienced in the context of marriage with our spouses.

Questions:

Can Satan give signs? Can those signs be of good things or seemingly good things? Why is that problematic?
why would Satan give a good sign?
Why is it important for us to understand that we must develop faith and testimony and focus on that instead of focusing on receiving a sign?
What is lust?
Why does lust lead to sin?
What is sexual passion? Why is sexual passion sinful, or potentially sinful, outside of the bounds of marriage?
What is fornication? What is adultery? What is the difference?
Why is pornography so detrimental to our spirits? How is pornography related to lust fornication and adultery?

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Day One Entry: Dec 15, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 61 and 62

Today we talked about our testimony and how our testimony is recorded by the angels in heaven. We talked about Christ and God having power over all things on the earth. At the beginning of class we talked about this Christmas season and how there are so many wonderful charities out there to help other people that we can give to and support instead of just focusing on getting this Christmas season.

Questions:
What are God's feelings about agency?
What does it mean when God says in the Scriptures, "it matter is not what you decide", as a relates to agency?
why are our sins forgiven as we preach the gospel?
what does it mean to be an advocate? Who is our advocate with God? What kind of relationship should we develop with our advocate?
Why do the angels in heaven record our testimonies? What is our book of life? Why should we be concerned with our book of life?

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Day One Entry: Dec 11, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants 58 and 59

Today we started off class talking about how we need to use our own judgment in agency to do things to help others. God says not to have to be commanded in all things. I showed a video operation underground freedom about a group who goE&S out on it's own, and helps free children from sex slavery. it was an impact full video of an organization striving to not have to be commanded in all things.
We also talked about if we obey the Lord we are insured of the promises. However, if we don't keep our covenants and promises, we have no assurance from God. We talked about how this impacted soul when he did not keep the commandments to kill the Amalekites. Finally we discussed keeping the Sabbath day holy. God has counseled that we perform or sacraments and oblations on the Sabbathday. We discussed what oblations means.

Questions:

Why does God say that we should not have to be commanded in all things?
What does that tell us about how God views are use of our agency?
Why is it important to be obedient to the commandments?
How does the Lord view obedience?
How does the Lord you disobedience?
What does it mean to keep the Sabbath day holy? What are oblations?
Why does God not give us a laundry list of what is allowed and what is not allowed?
What are the blessings that come from keeping the Sabbath day holy as outlined in doctrine and covenants section 59?

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Day One Entry: Dec 10, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 58 verses one through 33

Today we talked about doctrine and covenants section 58. We talked about how our choices in this life affect our eternal lives. We discussed how tribulation helps us to feel joy. We discussed the idea of the poor being welcomed by Christ and sitting down to a wonderful meal for keeping the Commandments of God. Finally we talked about bishops and what a judge in Israel is.

We segued on two different items, one was the beheading of John the Baptist by Harrod, and the other was in Jeremiah 15 where it talks about the children of Israel eating their sons and daughters.we discussed how the latter is symbolic for our choices will affect our posterity. When we choose to do wickedly it has an impact on our children and our children's children.

Questions:
Why is tribulation necessary to feel joy?
Were adamant Eve joyous before they protect the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil?
why was John the Baptist killed? What do we learn about resurrection from John the Baptist?
Why do your choices affect your posterity?
How do your choices affect your posterity?
What is the rule of the Bishop has a judge?
What are two ways in which a bishop judges in Israel?

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Day One Entry: Dec 9, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants 57 and Elder Scott's talk from conference 2014.

We began class today by talking about elder Scott's talk from conference 2014, where in he describes for tools God is given us to protect us in these last days.these for tools our prayer, scripture study, family home evening, and the temple. we talked about these tools and how they can bless our lives, specifically Elder Scott pointed out that reading scriptures is more important than school work sleep and social media. I challenge the kids to try to be more thorough in their scripture reading and promised that it would bless them. we talked about habits and how habits are important, but that we can establish both good and bad habits, and it's important that we establish good habits.

We talked about doctrine and covenants 57 what it means to be a Zion like people, as well as how the Lord was orienting the Saints towards the temple as he established independence Missouri. we discussed how we should orients ourselves towards the temple and I challenge the kids to get and keep a limited use Temple recommend until they were able to replace it with a full temple recommend.

Questions:

What is a habit?
How do habits help us, and how do you have it hurt us?
why is developing good scripture study, daily scripture study, and important have it for us and our lives?
Why does God want us to have frequent prayer with him?
How does prayer keep us focused on eternal things?
What does the word Zion mean?
Why is it important to orient ourselves Swarts the temple? What does it mean to orient yourself towards the temple?

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Day One Entry: Dec 8, 2014

Seminary journal lesson 61 Ohio and Missouri

Today we discussed about how there were two parts of the church at this time in church history. The church was located primarily in Kirtland Ohio and was starting to be established in Independence Missouri. we talked about Zion and strengthening the steaks in Zion as discussed in Isaiah chapter 54 verse two.

In addition the scripture was shared in Psalms that we discussed in class as well.

We discussed what it takes to build Zion and if those things apply today.

Questions:

What are the steaks in Zion as described in Isaiah chapter 54 verse two?
What does it mean to be pure in heart?
what were some of the reasons the Lord gave as to why the people needed to go to Ohio from New York?
What were some of the reasons that the Saints began to move to Missouri?
how do you strengthen the stakes of Zion?
Where does Satan's power come from?
How does living the loft consecration, or the law of tithing, help us build Zion both temporally and spiritually?

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Day One Entry: Dec 4, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 56

Today we talked a lot about rebellion, and God's view of rebellion. We talked about the different times throughout the Scriptures we see rebellion and or murmuring, and the results of those actions. We talked about King Saul in first Samuel 15 and his disobedience in following the guidance of Samuel the prophet.

Questions:

Why does rebellion bother the Lord so much?
What is rebellion?
How does rebellion impact agency?
What do we learn from first Samuel chapter 15 about obedience?
What was going on in doctrine and covenants 56 that the Lord felt it necessary to comment about rebellion?

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Day One Entry: Dec 3, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 53

Today we started with a scripture in the Old Testament, second Kings chapter 6 versus 28 and 29. Noah Prusse shared the scripture in kind of a fun manner and I thought it was good to highlight some of the doctrines in this chapter. We discussed these verses and what it means to eat your children. Symbolically this can reference the idea that when you break covenants and don't keep Commandments you put your children and their future eternal perspective and progress at risk. We talked about the prophet Elisha, how he was the man of God, and how the Lord was with him as he was able to show his servant the chariots of fire and angels that compasses them about while being underseiged from the Syrians.

In doctrine and covenants 53 we talked about Sydney Gilbert. We talked about what it means to magnify callings and to take upon oneself an ordination. We also talked about what an agent is how an agent is appointed and what the difference is between an agent and a bishop as a relates to this chapter and doctrine and covenants 57.

Questions:

What is the Lord talking about, symbolically, when he says that people can eat their sons and daughters?

Why does committing sin or breaking covenants not only affect you but have potential impact on others?

What does it mean to take upon oneself in ordination?

Why are we told to magnify callings?
Why is it prideful and problematic to compare ourselves with others?
What is the difference between an agent and a bishop?

A quote I shared in class:
From John H Groberg in his book In The Eye of the Storm

All that is important is you're standing in the sight of God, if that is as it should be nothing else matters; if that is not as it should be nothing else counts.

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Day One Entry: Dec 2, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 52

We talked this morning about Independence Missouri and all of the different things that will occur in Missouri and in that region just prior to and then through the second coming. we talked about the prophet, Joseph Smith, being called to start to move the Saints towards Missouri from Ohio. we talked about general conferences and challenges and directives the prophets and apostles have given us. we talked about miracles and how Satan has the ability to perform miracles save reading our thoughts or giving us the feelings of the Spirit. We talked about how we can not be deceived by Satan if we will listen to the spirit and look for the fruits that come from miracles.

Questions:
What are some significant events that the scriptures say will occur in Independence Missouri?
What is a miracle?
How does God perform miracles?
Can man perform miracles? How and by what power can they perform miracles? Why can he perform miracles?
What does God mean when he says that you can know them by their fruits?
Has Satan grown in power over the years?
Where does Satan's power come from?

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Day One Entry: Dec 1, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 51

Today we discussed doctrine and covenants section 51. We talked about Edward Partridge being the bishop and how he was helping the Saints live the celestial law as they came into Ohio.

Questions:
What is the difference between fair and equal?
What is the celestial law?
In the Old Testament what do we learn about the celestial law?
In the Old Testament what was the significance of the Ark of the covenant being kept in the tabernacle?
What was in the Ark of the covenant?
What is the difference between communism and between the law of consecration?
What are two forms of government approved by our heavenly father?

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Day One Entry: Nov 25, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 50

Today we discussed doctrine and covenants section 50. This section has a lot to deal with understanding evil spirits and spirits not of God. we discussed why it's important to be able to discern an evil spirit.we discussed that we are responsible for discerning evil spirits ourselves, it is not up to our leaders or our bishops, it is up to us. we talked about when we are called to a calling and or or Dean that we have power sufficient to that calling. That it gives us power over evil spirits as long as we are teaching by the Spirit.

Questions
What does it mean to be edified?
Are there evil spirits abroad in the land?
How does Satan gain power?
Why do evil spirits attempt to interact with us in mortality?
How do we discern an evil spirit?
How are we to preach the gospel?

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Day One Entry: Nov 24, 2014

Doctrine and covenants 49 journal

Today we reviewed doctrine and covenants 49, Lehman Copley joined the church he formally belonged to the shaker sect. The shakers had many incorrect beliefs and doctrines they taught, some of which were:The second coming had already occurred and Christ had appeared as a woman, Ann Lee, they for bid the eating of meat, they believed in celibacy and no marriage,they did not believe the baptism by immersion was necessary or baptism itself was necessary.

We discussed some of these beliefs and some of the challenges they pose. We also discussed how Satan puts out traps for us trying to trick us and trap us into doing the things that are wrong. We had an object lesson about a monkey trap and how if we get our hands stuck in the trap often we can't pull it out.

Questions
What is the Lords doctrine about marriage?
What has the Lord revealed as a relates to the second coming in knowing when it will occur?
What did the Lord revealed in section 49 about baptism and confirmation?
What does the Lord say in section 49 about the eating of meat?
What are some traps that we find ourselves getting stock in today? How do we avoid them?
Why is it problematic to pick and choose from a smorgasbord of truth? Why does the profit counsel to except all truth and live it?

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Day One Entry: Nov 19, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants 45 versus 16 through the end
Mthis morning we talked about the second coming of Christ and many of the signs that will occur before his coming. we talked about the need to be prepared for the second coming and referenced the parable of the 10 virgins.

Questions

What are some of the signs that have occurred that were prophesied would occur before the second coming of Christ?

What are some of the things still to come before the second coming?

What will be going on in Jerusalem right before the second coming?

Interesting little fact what building is built on the mount of all it's where Christ will come during the second coming?

What does it mean to stand in a holy place?

What makes the place holy?

In the parable of the 10 virgins who did the virgins represents?

What does the oil represent?

How do you add oil to your lamp?

How are you preparing today for the second coming of Jesus Christ?

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Day One Entry: Nov 18, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 45 verses one through 15

Today we discussed what it means to be an offspring of God. What blessings come from this. we talked about how God has power to do all things that he was able to create all things and that man is very weak comparatively. we talked about how it is important to orient ourselves towards God, putting first things first and realizing that if we rely on God he makes all other things easier.finally we talked about needing an advocate, and how Christ is the advocate that was chosen for us.specifically we reviewed Isaiah chapter 59. In that chapter God takes us through what life would've been like without an advocate, his reasoning for an advocate, and then what an advocate can do for us.

Questions
Why is it important to know that you are a child of God?
Being a child of God allows for certain things what are they?
Why is it important to recognize that God has all power?
How does this knowledge impact you? How should it impact you?
What is the log justice?
What is an advocate? What is his job and why do we need him?
Why is Christ the perfect advocate?

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Day One Entry: Nov 14, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants 43 and 44

We discuss this morning several different doctrines from doctrine and covenants 43 and 44.we talked about how important prophets are again. We discussed first Kings 11 about Elijah the prophet. We discussed how Elijah use the sealing power to cause a famine in the land through drought, we discussed how he allowed the woman to exercise her faith and bring him a cake and how the meal and the oil was able to hold out during the famine. We also discussed when the woman's child died, how the prophet was able to bring him back to life. All of these things can relate to us and we discuss the different ways these things relate to us. Next we talked about purity and what it means when God says that he will have a pure people. We talked about sex and how the Lord views sex and how it should be used inside of marriage as a wonderful gift. We talked about agency as it relates to sex and why it's a sin to have sexual relations outside of marriage. Finally we talked about the millennial period, where Satan will be bound by our choices. We talked about the millennium and what that would look like and how at the end of the millennium people would choose to be wicked again and thus loose Satan.

Questions
How can prophets bless our life?
How do prophets challenge us to have faith?
Why is it important that we sustain our prophet?
What does it mean to be morally pure?
How does pornography ruling moral purity?
Is sex bad? How does the Lord view sexual relations?
During the millennial. What binds Satan?
At the millennium who is taken from the earth?

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Day One Entry: Nov 13, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 43

Today we discuss section 43, we learned about prophets and how the Lord appointed Joseph Smith to be the one that receives revelation on this earth. during this section there were other people who were receiving revelations and claiming to be able to teach the Saints, section 43 came as an answer to Joseph's inquiry about this. we discussed how we can always have faith in the prophet. According to Wilford Woodruff, the Lord will not allow his prophet to lead the people astray. We talked about how if the prophet loses his gift of being a seer or prophet, that he has the ability to appoint somebody in his stead. we shared some examples of this happening in the Old Testament and even in the book of Mormon how there were some prophets that called other prophets as they were leaving this earth life. we talked about in our day how this is less likely to happen simply because we have an entire first presidency and quorum of 12 apostles. We discussed the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and how when we are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. That gift allows us to receive the Holy Ghost's influence through all parts of our life. We talked about how knowledge is action or should lead to action. An example would be as somebody is studying about the church or we were teaching somebody about the church on a mission, we should challenge them to be baptized. Knowledge should lead to action.

Questions
What is a prophet?
What is a seer?
Can someone other than the prophet receive revelation for the entire church?
Can a prophet lead the entire church astray?
What does it mean to edify?
What is the difference between the gift of the Holy Ghost and the influence of the Holy Ghost?
Explain the parable of the shepherd going through the door to his sheepfold as described in John chapter 10 versus one through five and how that compares to Doctrine and Covenants section 43 verse seven.
In John who is the shepherd?
Who is the Porter?

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Day One Entry: Nov 12, 2014

Seminary journal doctrine and covenants section 41

Today we discuss Dr. and covenants section 41. We learned about harkening and listening to the Lord. we discussed how the Lord delights to bless his children. we discussed how important it is to be unified in doctrine and unified in our faith.

Questions
What does it mean to hearken and hear?
What is the greatest gift God can give to us?
What is the greatest cursing God can curse us with?
What is hypocripsy?
Why does the Lord hate hypocrisy?
What does it mean to be unified in the faith?
What does it mean to be unified in doctrine?
How is being unified in doctrine helpful?
How are bishops called?

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Day One Entry: Nov 7, 2014

Seminary journal Friday, November 7, 2014

Great day in seminary today, we went over the rest of doctrine and covenants 42. we talked about the Kirtland temple and why the Kirtland temple was important to be established. It allowed the Saints to receive endowments and he brought back three specific keys to the earth. Moses brought back the gathering keys, Elijah brought back the ceiling keys, and Elias brought back the keys associated with temple work.

In addition at this point the Saints Raible to start going out on missions in greater numbers. The Lord prepare the Saints my moving them to Ohio,not only did they receive the temple blessings, but now they have great access to transportation and it was easier for the Saints to depart on missions.

In addition many other revelations were received at this time namely section 76, 89, 107, and 137. Joseph Smith also began his translation of the Bible
With this great outpouring of the Spirit in these wonderful spiritual blessings Satan was still on the hunt for the souls of men. persecutions increased the Saints were tormented, and ultimately the Saints had to leave Ohio because of the persecution and the fear of their lives that they had.

Questions:
What is an endowment? Why are endowments important? What endowments happen in the temple, and why is the temple endowment important for missionary work? Why does the Lord send out missionaries two by two? what are some reasons the Lord sent the Saints to Ohio?

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Day One Entry: Nov 6, 2014

Seminary journal Thursday, November 6, 2014

Today we discussed Dr. and covenants section 42, specifically the laws established by Christ for the Saints as they arrived to Kirtland Ohio.we talked about the Lord taking time to read a rate some of the 10 Commandments, as well as establishing the law of consecration.we had a good discussion around a lot consecration.

Questions for class:

Why did the Lord take the time to reiterate some of the Commandments at the stage?

What is the law of consecration?

When will we live the law of consecration again?

Will you have a job during the millennium? What do you do with your excess income from your job?

During the millennium what will be considered old age?

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Day One Entry: Nov 5, 2014

Seminary journal

Today we talked about doctrine and covenants chapter 39 and 40.some themes that were discussed werebecoming Christ sons and daughters and what it takes to become those.Pride and how pride prevents us from receiving the Gospel.we discuss watchman on the tower and want to watch me this today who he is today, as well as how we prepare our hearts to receive the gospel. We reviewed the parable of the sower in Mark.

Some questions for review
How do you become cry sons and daughters?
What is pride? How does pride damage your ability to feel the spirit?
Why does darkness not comprehend the light?
How do you prepare your hearts to be fertile ground instead of the wayside?

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Seminary October 14, 2014

What impresses you about Emma Smith?

How does knowing that you are a son or daughter in the Lord's kingdom help you during difficult times?

What did the Lord promise Emma if she would be faithful and "walk in the paths of virtue"?

What do you think it means to "walk in the paths of virtue"? How might a person be protected by walking in paths of virtue?

Which of the phrases or ideas you identified show that the Lord knew and loved Emma Smith? Explain how each phrase or idea is evidence of the Lord's love.

Doctrine and Covenants 25:16 contains the Lord's declaration that He intended the counsel and promises in this section to also apply to us. What are some lessons you learn from the Lord's words to Emma? (As you identify these truths, write them down.)

How do you think the counsel to put eternal things before the things of this world might have been helpful to Emma, especially as Joseph Smith's wife?

How is the counsel to put eternal things before the things of the world helpful to us today?

What are some things of the world that people tend to place ahead of God?

What can we do to seek for things that are eternal?

As we worship the Lord through righteous music, He will bless us (see D&C 25:12).
According to this verse, what is one thing the Lord delights in? What does He say about the blessings that come through "the song of the righteous"?

What blessings have you received as a result of worshipping the Lord through appropriate music?

Questions for October 13, 2014

Doctrine and covenants 24, 26

Why does the Lord allow us to have afflictions when we're trying to do good things? You scriptures to support your answer.

What does the Lord do when you are suffering through afflictions and remain faithful?

What principle can we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 24:8 regarding what can help us in our afflictions?

When have you seen people exercise patient through afflictions?

What blessings that the Lord promised all of her if he remained faithful?

How is the Lord strengthen you as you have remained faithful?

What does common consent mean?

How is common consent and sustaining different than voting?

Questions for October 7, 2014 Tuesday

What is Grace? How does Grace work with works? Why do we need Grace? How do we fail Grace? How does Grace relate to the atonement?

What are three characteristics, according to doctrine and covenants 20 verses 37 through 60, that the following priesthood offices share: Elder, priest,

Agenda- September 29, 2014 D&C 18:1-16

Questions from today's lesson:

1. What is going on at this stage with the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery?  What are they doing and where are they doing it and why?

2. What is significant in verse 2 about Oliver having "manifested [to him] by my Spirit in many instances?  What is significant about many instances?

3.  Why is something manifested by the Spirit more powerful than through other means?

4. Why is God a God of laws, covenants, and contracts?

5. What is a covenant or contract?

6. How do are covenants protect us similarly to the way a contract protects us?

7. Does God break his covenants with us, Why or why not?

8. What is the foundation on which the church is built?

9. What is the rock?

10. How is the world currently ripening in sin and how can being built on the "foundation" help us?

Agenda-Monday, September 22, 2014 D&C 9

How would seeking guidance from the Lord help you make important  decisions?

What would the Lord ask Oliver to do?

According to president  Smith,why was Oliver unable to continue as he had started?

What are some ways that fear, or a lack of faith, could prevent us from receiving or acting on revelation from the Lord. 

According to D&C 9:7, what did Oliver suppose was the only thing he would need to do to receive revelation while he translated?

What did the Lord teach Oliver he could do before asking for guidance?

What do you think it means to study it out in your mind?

What does verse eight tell us about how the Lord answers our questions?

What is a stupor of thought? What should you do once you experience one?

Agenda-September 19, 2014 doctrine and covenants eight

Opening song-called to serve
Opening prayer
Scripture by Ashley LaMatia

Doctrine
If we ask God, and we work, we can receive revelation.

Agenda-September 18, 2014, doctrine and covenants 6 and 7

Opening song
Opening prayer
Scripture by Kelsie Barker

Doctrines:
1. As we seek answers from heavenly father, he will give us instruction.

2. The Lord will enlighten our minds through the Holy Ghost.

3. God knows our thoughts and the intensive our hearts.

4. When we receive revelation, we should treasure it up in our hearts.

Lightbulb and sunrise drawing

How is turning on a light ball different from watching the sunrise?

Elder David a Bednar of the Quorumn of the 12 apostles use this analogy to teach about personal revelation. He taught that sometimes revelation happens quickly, completely, and all at once like turning on a light in a dark room, but most frequently revelation comes in small increments over time.

Read Joseph Smith history one: 66-67 silently and identify how heavenly father help Joseph and his efforts to translate more quickly.

What did the Lord dealer response to Joseph's plea for someone to help them translate?

Oliver Cowdrey came from Palmyra, New York, more than 140 miles away, to meet Joseph in harmony, Pennsylvania.

Read doctrine and covenants 6:5-6, 8 silently, look for indications that the Lord knew all of her's desires.

Have you ever received an answer from God and then later experience concerns or confusion regarding the answer?

The Lord told Oliver Cowdrey that Oliver had a gift of Revelation, read doctrine and covenants 6:14-17, 20 silently looking for what the Lord taught all of her about receiving and recognizing revelation.

What truths did the Lord teach Oliver about receiving and recognizing revelation?

Why is it important for us to know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers?

What do you think it means that the Lord will enlighten our minds?

Why is it important to know that only God knows our thoughts and intents of our hearts?

What do you think it means to treasure of the Lords words?

Read doctrine and covenants 6:21-24, search for another way the Lord communicate with us.

What can we learn from the verse about another way the Lord speaks to us?

From your experience what does it feel like to have the Lord speak peace to our minds?

Elder Bednarek carry the analogy of the sunrise one step further to clarify how communication from the Lord often comes.

How might we sometimes overlooked or dismiss the Lords answers to our prayers?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn how to better recognize when the Lord is speaking to him or her?

It was not until after this revelation was received all of her told Joseph about "the night" that the Lord referred to in doctrine and covenants 6:22

After we had received this revelation, Oliver Cowdrey stated to me that after he had gone to my fathers to board, and after the family had communicated to him concerning my having obtained the plates, that one night after he had retired to bed he called upon the Lord to know if these things for so, and the Lord manifested to him that they were true, but he kept the circumstance entirely secret, and mentioned it to no one; so that after this revelation was given, he knew that the work was true, because no being living knew of the thing alluded to in the revelation, but God and himself.

If you were all of her, what feelings might you have had as you heard the responsibility the Lord was placing upon you?

What truths or principles from this council can we apply in our lives?

What are some examples of how a person might look to Christ in every thought?

Nothing has been revealed about the specifics of John's ministry as a translated being.


Thanks Billy Bayne
Email William.bayne@gmail.com

Agenda-Wednesday, September 17, 2014 doctrine and covenants 5

Opening hymn
Opening prayer
Scripture-Peter

Update on Martin Harris
What is something you have only heard about but would like to see with your own eyes? Why would you like to see it?

Read doctrine and covenants 5:1 silently, looking for what Martin Harris wanted to see for himself.

Would you like to see the golden plates? Explain why.

Martin Harris history

Doctrine and covenants 5:2-3
Look for how the Lord told Joseph Smith to answer Martin Harris's request.

How did the Lord tell Joseph to answer Martin?

Why couldn't Joseph Smith show Martin Harris the plates?

Why has the Lord not allowed to golden plates to be displayed before the world?

According to Pres.

Joseph Fielding Smith:
frequently when people hear the story of the coming forth of the book of Mormon they ask if the plates are in some museum where they may see them. Some of them with some scientific training, suggest that if the scholars could see and examine the plates and learn to read them, they would then bear witness to the truth of the book of Mormon and the veracity of Joseph Smith, and the whole world would then be converted.

Doctrine and covenants 5:5-10, looking for why the Lord told Joseph Smith not to display the plates before the world

What reasons did the Lord give for why Joseph Smith should not display the plates before the world?

What do we learn from doctrine and covenants 5:10 about Joseph Smith's unique calling?

Why do you think it is important for us to have a testimony of this truth?

Doctrine and covenants 5:11
Looking for what the Lord said he would do to support Joseph Smith's testimony of the book of Mormon.

How is it helpful to know that in addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord called three witnesses who saw the plates and heard the Lord to clear their truthfulness?

In addition to directing Joseph Smith and the three witnesses to bear testimony, the Lord provided another means by which we can know of the truthfulness of the book of Mormon.

Doctrine and covenants 5:16-18, looking for what the Lord promised those who believe in the book of Mormon.

What did the Lord say he would send upon those who believe his words?

Statement by Ezra Taft Benson:
We each need to get our own testimony of the book of Mormon to the Holy Ghost. Then her testimony, coupled with the book of Mormon, should be shared with others so that they, too, can know through the Holy Ghost of its truthfulness.

Write in your journals your testimony of the book of Mormon, or what you can do to gain a testimony and strengthen their witness of the book of Mormon.

Doctrine and covenants 5:21-22, replace the name Joseph with your own name. What is the Lord teaching in these verses?

How can someone avoid yielding, "to the persuasions of men"?

What did the Lord promised the Joseph Smith would receive if he would be faithful even if he was slain?

Draw a lightbulb, what do we have to do to make the lightbulb work?
Just like there are several steps to turning on a light bulb, Martin Harris learned that there would be several steps to receiving the witness of the plates he desired from the Lord.

Doctrine and covenants 5:23-24, looking for the conditional promise the Lord gave to Martin Harris using the words if and then.

What do you think it means to pray and humility, faith, and sincerity?

How do you think praying with humility faith and sincerity might prepare us to receive answers from the Lord?

Doctrine and covenants 5:25-26, look for what the Lord expected Martin Harris to do after becoming a witness to the book of Mormon.

Doctrine and covenants 5:27-28, 32, look for additional counsel and warnings that the Lord gave to Martin Harris.

What did Laura Council award Martin Harris to do?

What does the Lord say will happen tomorrow and hear us if he does not humble himself and receive a witness from the Lord?

How might we relate the counseling doctrine and covenants 5:32 to ourselves?

Agenda Tuesday, September 16, 2014 - doctrine and covenants 4

Opening song
Opening prayer
Scripture-Noah Prusse

Doctrines:
1. If we serve God with all of our heart might mind and strength we may stay in blameless before him at the last day.
2. As we labor diligently to bring others into Jesus Christ, we can also receive salvation for ourselves.
3. Our efforts to develop divine attributes will help us qualify to assist in the work of the Lord.

Have you ever felt the desire to serve God and wanted to know his will regarding how you could best assistant doing his work?

Explain about Joseph Smith's father's desire to help in the work.

What word the Lord used to describe the restoration of the Gospel in the latter days?

In what ways was the restoration of the Gospel "marvelous"?

Read doctrine and covenants 4:2, looking for what the Lord asks of those who embark in his service?

What does the word embark mean?

According to this verse, what does the Lord expect of those who serve him?

What does it mean to do something with all your heart, might, mind and strength?

What actions are attributes might you expect to seeing a person who is striving to serve God with all of his heart, might, mind, and strength?

According to Doctrine and covenants 4:2 what blessing comes from serving God with all of your heart might mind and strength?

What might it feel like to stand in God's presence and be blameless?

Doctrine and covenants 4:3, look for attribute the individuals need in order to assist the Lord and his work.

What attribute does a person need to have in order to assist the Lord and his work?

What calling was Joseph Smith Senior being called to?

In addition to full-time missionary service what are some ways in which we can assist the Lord and his work?

Grain object lesson

Read doctrine and covenants 4:4 in this verse the Lord compares the people of the world to a field of grain, look for how the Lord describes the field.

What does the Lord say about his field (or the people of the world)?

What do you think is the meaning of the phrase "the field is white already to harvest"?

Sickle drawing

What do you think it means to thrust in your sickle with all your might?

According to doctrine and covenants 4:4 what blessing comes to those who labor diligently to bring others to Jesus Christ?

How does helping others, to Jesus Christ help us, to him as well?

Name a few occupations and qualifications for those occupations.

Doctrine and covenants 4:5 look for the attributes to qualify a person to assist in the Lords work.

Doctrine and covenants 4:6 note any additional attributes.

How my developing each of the attributes inverses 5-6 help us be more effective in assisting in the Lords work?

Which of the attributes listed in these verses would you like to develop more fully? Why?

Doctrine and covenants 4:7

What does it mean to ask and knock?

How do you think prayer can help us develop divine attributes?

Agenda September 15, 2014 D&C 10

Opening song
Opening prayer
Scripture

Doctrine:
1. As we pray always, we will have power to overcome Satan and those who serve him.
2. Satan desires to destroy the work of the Lord and our souls.
3. The wisdom of God is greater than the cunning of the devil.

Reminder to text in readings

Review D&C three the loss of the 116 pages including D&C 10:1-2

D&C 10:3-4
Look for Council of the Lord gave as Joseph Smith began to translate again.

Why do you think Joseph Smith needed to be counseled not to labor or to translate more than he had strength?

How can the counseling doctrine and covenants 10 four guide us as we serve the Lord?

Draw a mouse trap
How can a device like this represent Satan's intentions toward us?

Doctrine and covenants 10:5
Look for what the Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to do in order to escape Satan.

What can we learn from this verse?

Doctrine 1. As we pray always, we will have power to overcome Satan and those who serve him.

How can prayer help us to conquer Satan and escape those who uphold his work?
Students to share examples of how prayer at help them resist Satan's temptations.

Read doctrine and covenants 10:8-19
Identify the plan of the wicked individuals who were then in possession of the manuscript.

What was their plan?

Doctrine and covenants 10:20-29
Look for what these verses teach us about Satan's aims, and look for strategies Satan uses to accomplish his aims.

What did we learn from these verses about Satan's purposes?

Doctrine 2. Satan desires to destroy the work of the Lord and our souls.

How does Satan do this?

What evidence have you seen that Satan uses deception, anger, flattery, and lying to destroy the work of the Lord and our souls?

How can being aware of Satan's intentions and methods help us avoid an escape his traps?

What can you do to avoid and escape Satan's traps?

Doctrine and covenants 10:30-37
Because of wicked people's plans to destroy the work of God and Joseph Smith's reputation, the Lord commanded Joseph not to re-translate the portion of the plates from which the lost hundred and 16 pages had been translated.

Doctrine and covenants 10:38-42
Look for what the Lord commanded Joseph to translate instead of having him read translate the portion of the place from which the lost hundred and 16 pages had been translated.

What the Lord commands Joseph to translate and why?

Read Words of Mormon 1:3-7

Doctrine and covenants 10:43
Look for an important truth the Lord wanted Joseph Smith understand.

What is the truth?

Doctrine 3. The wisdom of God is greater than the cunning of the devil.

What does the word cunning mean?

How does the Lords plan to replace the lost manuscript illustrate this truth?

Doctrine and covenants 10:44-45
Why are the small plates of Nephi of greater worth than what was lost with the hundred and 16 manuscript pages?

How does knowing that God prepared a way to compensate for the hundred and 16 lost manuscript pages help you more fully trust him?

Read doctrine and covenants 10:62-63
Look for what the Lord said that the book of Mormon would bring it to light.

What will the book of Mormon bring to light?

According to verse 63 how will the Lord use the true points of his doctrine to overcome the work of Satan?

Doctrine and covenants 10:67, 69-70
Note phrases that are meaningful to you in light of what you have learned today.

Agenda - Friday Sept. 12, 2014 scripture mastery

Opening song
Opening prayer

Review weekly doctrines
1. The purposes of God cannot be frustrated.
2. We should fear God more than we fear man.
3. If we are faithful to the Lord's commands he will support us during times of trouble.
4. If we repent of our sins we will receive the Lord's mercy.
5. The prophecies of the Lords servants will come to pass.
6. As we take responsibility for and preserve that which the Lord has given us, He will extend His protection and help.

Scripture mastery

Seminary agenda-Thursday, September 11, 2014 D&C 3

Opening song
Opening prayer
Scripture-Hunter Hanshew

Doctrines
1. The purposes of God cannot be frustrated.
2. We should fear God more than we fear man.
3. If we are faithful to the Lord's commands he will support us during times of trouble.
4. If we repent of our sins we will receive the Lord's mercy.

Ponder situations in which they might be tempted to listen to a friend rather than follow the commandments or the counsel of their parents or leaders.
Why is it sometimes difficult to resist our friends when they encourage us to do something wrong?

History of the lost 116 pages
From mid-April 1828 to mid-June 1828, the Prophet Joseph Smith was translating the plates while living in Harmony, Pennsylvania. A prosperous farmer and businessman named Martin Harris was acting as scribe to Joseph while he translated. Martin was 22 years older than Joseph and had given Joseph and Emma $50 (which was a substantial amount of money at that time) to help them move to Harmony, Pennsylvania (where Emma's family lived), thus helping to support Joseph while he translated the plates. In February 1828, Joseph encouraged Martin to take copies of characters from the plates to professors in New York (see Joseph Smith--History 1:63–65). Lucy Harris, Martin's wife, became increasingly concerned about Martin's interest and financial involvement in the translation of the plates. She and others began to press Martin for evidence of the plates' existence. To appease their concerns, in mid-June Martin requested that Joseph allow him to take the 116 pages of manuscript they had completed to show as evidence.

Invite students to imagine the difficult position the Prophet was in when Martin Harris asked to take the manuscript pages. To help with context, consider inviting a student to read the following account from the history of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"[Martin] desired of me that I would inquire of the Lord, through the Urim and Thummim, if he might not [take the manuscript home and show it]. I did inquire, and the answer was that he must not. However, he was not satisfied with this answer, and desired that I should inquire again. I did so, and the answer was as before. Still he could not be contented, but insisted that I should inquire once more" (in History of the Church, 1:21).

Why do you think Joseph Smith persistent in asking the same question even after receiving a clear answer?

After much pleading from Martin, Joseph asked the Lord a third time, and the Lord gave permission for Martin to take the manuscript "on certain conditions" (History of the Church, 1:21). Martin promised that he would show the manuscript only to his wife and a few other family members. Martin returned to New York with the manuscript. Shortly after Martin's departure, Emma Smith gave birth to a son, Alvin, who died shortly after birth. Emma nearly died herself, and for two weeks Joseph stayed at her bedside. By this time, Martin had been gone for three weeks and they had heard nothing from him. Emma, who was slowly recovering, persuaded Joseph to go to New York and find out why Martin had not sent any word. Joseph traveled to his parents' home, and once he arrived there, he sent for Martin. Martin took all morning to arrive. When he did, he sat down to eat with the Smith family but immediately dropped his utensils. When asked if he was all right, he cried out and eventually admitted that he had lost the 116 pages of manuscript. (See History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 124–29 for more details of this account.)

How do you think you would feel in the situation?

Upon returning to Harmony without the 116 pages of manuscript, Joseph Smith prayed for forgiveness. Because Joseph had "wearied the Lord in asking for the privilege of letting Martin Harris take the writings" (History of the Church, 1:21), Moroni had taken the Urim and Thummim and Joseph had lost the gift to translate. However, Moroni promised that Joseph could receive them again if he would be "humble and penitent" (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, 134). Some time later, Joseph received the revelation now known as Doctrine and Covenants 3.

D&C 3:1-3
Look for things the Lord want to Joseph Smith to understand.

How would you summarize the Lords message to Joseph Smith?
1st doctrine

How might this truth have helped Joseph Smith during this difficult time? Why is it important for all of us to understand this truth?

D&C 3:4-6
Identify words and phrases that might've been hard for Joseph Smith hear.

In what way had Joseph Smith "gone on in the persuasions of men? "

D&C 3:12-15
Find phrases that emphasize why Joseph's actions were so serious.

D&C 3:7
Identify what the Lord said Joseph should've done when he was pressured by Martin Harris.
Doctrine 2

What do you think it means to fear God more than man?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
"There are many places in the scriptures that counsel mankind to fear God. In our day we generally interpret the word fear as "respect" or "reverence" or "love"; that is, the fear of God means the love of God or respect for Him and His law. That may often be a correct reading, but I wonder if sometimes fear doesn't really mean fear, as when the prophets speak of fearing to offend God by breaking His commandments. …We should so love and reverence Him that we fear doing anything wrong in His sight, whatever may be the opinions of or pressure from others" ("A Sense of the Sacred" [CES fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004], 6–7.

According to Elder Christofferson what does it mean to fear God?
How can fearing God in the way Elder Christofferson suggests help us make right decisions even when we feel pure pressure?

D&C 3:8
Look for what God would have done if Joseph had listened to his initial answer about Martin Harris
Doctrine 3

D&C 3:9-10
Look for the promise God gave Joseph Smith despite the seriousness of the mistake Joseph made.
What promise did Lord give Joseph Smith?
Doctrine 4

D&C 3:9,11
Identify the warnings the Lord gave to Joseph Smith.

Why are these warnings important for us to remember as we repent of our sins and seek the Lord's mercy?

D&C 3:16-20
Identify the purpose is the Lord gave for the Book of Mormon.

Why was the work that Joseph Smith and Martin Harris were doing so important to the Lord and His people?

Closing prayer

Seminary agenda - September 10, 2014 JSH 1:57-65

Opening song
Opening prayer
Scripture

Follow up from yesterday, the rainbow promise, see Institute manual.

Doctrines:
1. The prophecies of the Lords servants will come to pass.
2. As we take responsibility for and preserve that which the Lord has given us, He will extend His protection and help.
3.

What significant event has happened in your life in the last few years that will affect your life going forward?

How has this event influenced your character or changed your future?

In today's lesson we are going to learn about a five year span in the life of Joseph Smith and significant events that would change his future and character as he went forward as the prophet.

Read silently Joseph Smith history 1:55-58
Identify significant events that occurred to Joseph Smith during this time period.

Significant object from home (object lesson)

Have you ever seen someone who neglects or fails to take care of something that they've been given? Why do you feel some people do this?

Joseph Smith history 1:59
What significant items was Joseph Smith given?

What charge did Moroni give Joseph Smith concerning the plates?

What does it mean to, "use all endeavors to preserve them"?

Fill in the blank, as we take responsibility and preserve that which the Lord has given us, he will ________________________.

What are some examples of sacred trusts the Lord has given you?

And Joseph Smith history 1:60, identify a sentence that illustrates the Lord fulfilled his promise to Joseph Smith.

Read the story from Lucy Mack Smith's journal about how Joseph endeavored to care for the plates and how the Lord helped him. Note that when Joseph Smith got the plates from Moroni he initially hid them in a birch log approximately 3 miles from the family farm.

"Joseph, on coming to them, took them from their secret place, and, wrapping them in his linen frock, placed them under his arm and started for home.

"After proceeding a short distance, he thought it would be more safe to leave the road and go through the woods. Traveling some distance after he left the road, he came to a large windfall, and as he was jumping over a log, a man sprang up from behind it and gave him a heavy blow with a gun. Joseph turned around and knocked him down, then ran at the top of his speed. About half a mile farther he was attacked again in the same manner as before; he knocked this man down in like manner as the former and ran on again; and before he reached home he was assaulted the third time. In striking the last one, he dislocated his thumb, which, however, he did not notice until he came within sight of the house, when he threw himself down in the corner of the fence in order to recover his breath. As soon as he was able, he arose and came to the house. He was still altogether speechless from fright and the fatigue of running" (in Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 108).

When of you received help for being true to the sacred trust the Lord has given you?

The following statement is from Elder D Todd Christofferson
"Be wise with what the Lord gives you. It is a trust. …"Rather than drifting into carelessness, may your life be one of increasing exactness in obedience. I hope you will think and feel and dress and act in ways that show reverence and respect for sacred things, sacred places, sacred occasions" ("A Sense of the Sacred" [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004], 9, 10;speeches.byu.edu).

Read Joseph Smith 1:61-62 follow along and look for ways the Lord blessed Emma and Joseph Smith for being responsible in keeping sacred things.

How did the Lord bless Joseph and his wife at this time?

Discuss Martin Harris taking a copy of the book of Mormon characters to New York.

Joseph Smith history 1:63-65 compare to Isaiah 29:10-12
Read the Joseph Smith history passage first, then read the heading to Isaiah 29, and then the reference to Isaiah 29:10-12.

What truth do these passages teach us about the Lords foreknowledge and the prophecies of his servants?

Seminary Agenda - Tuesday 9/9/2014 D&C 2, JSH Finish

Opening Song
Opening Prayer
Scripture

JSH 1:39
What does the phrase, "and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers," mean?

2 Joel 28-
What are some of your thoughts and insights on this prophecy?

JSH 1:45
Why was it necessary for Moroni to come multiple times?

JSH 1:46
What is indigent circumstances?

What financial state was the Smith Family in at this time?
Read Joseph family bio.

JSH 1:54
Note Joseph Smith's mother's journal about Joseph's experience during the time before he received the plates.

D&C 2:1
Reference and discuss D&C 110:12-15

D&C 2:2
What are the promises?
What is this and why is this generation most prepared for this?

D&C 2:3
Why would the earth be wasted?
See note

Why is labor and continuous labor so important to God?

What is a comfortable maintenance and why could that be important?

v57
Why is it important to trust in the Lord's timing?

v59
Why did God charge Joseph Smith to be responsible for the plates?  Could not protect them on his own?

v60 
Why do you think the persecution and the striving to find the plates by the enemy increase?

Why did Satan not want this book to come forth?

Why do you think God took the book back?

v62
Urim and Thumim statement from Elder Maxwell

v64
Charles Anton discussion and Statement
Isaiah 29:11-12

Closing prayer

Seminary Agenda - Monday 9/8/2014 JSH 1:27-54, D&C 2

Opening Song
Opening Prayer
Scripture- Tama Tuitama

JSH 1:28
How do you Joseph Smith would have felt about being persecuted by those who ought to have been his friends?

Why are good friend important for you to obtain and be?

How would you react if you were persecuted by friends and people older than you at this stage in your life?

JSH 1:29
What is the purpose of Guilt?

JSH 1:33
Where have we seen a fulfillment of this prophecy?

JSH 1:35
What is a Urim and Thumim?

JSH 1:37
Discuss the either of neither root nor branch.

JSH 1:39
What does the phrase, "and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers," mean?

2 Joel 28-
What are some of your thoughts and insights on this prophecy?

JSH 1:45
Why was it necessary for Moroni to come multiple times?

JSH 1:46
What is indigent circumstances?

What financial state was the Smith Family in at this time?
Read Joseph family bio.

JSH 1:54
Note Joseph Smith's mother's journal about Joseph's experience during the time before he received the plates.

D&C 2:1
Reference and discuss D&C 110:12-15

D&C 2:2
What are the promises?
What is this and why is this generation most prepared for this?

D&C 2:3
Why would the earth be wasted?
See note

Closing Prayer

Seminary Agenda-Friday 9/5/2014 The Role of the Lerner/Scripture Mastery

Opening Hymn
Opening Prayer
Scripture- Treyton Stratton

D&C 88:118
What words or phrases describe our responsibility in gospel learning?

We are familiar with what it means to seek learning "by sudy." What do you think it means to seek learning "also by faith"?

David A Bednar Stated:

Learning by faith requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception...
...A student must exercise faith and act in Order to obtain the knowledge for himself or herself.

What phrase that we have been sharing in class sums up this quote?

D&C 50 helps us better understand our role as a learner of the Gospel

D&C 50:13-14
This scripture was given to those ordained to teach the gospel to others.

According to these verses, what is the responsibility of the teacher of the gospel?

What is the responsibility of the spirit, or comforter?

D&C 50:19-21
According to these verses, what responsibility does the learner have?

JSH 1:8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18
How did Joseph make an effort to learn spiritual truths.

Scripture Mastery and cookies

Seminary Agenda- Thursday 9/4/2014 JSH 1:21-26

Opening Song
Opening Prayer
Scripture- Kennedy Larsen

JSH 1:15-20
What is significant about the light descending gradually, how does that describe God?

What did Joseph See?

What Doctrines does this verse reveal?

What were the first words God Spoke? Why is that important?

President Hinckley Account of the young man who joined the church and everything going wrong.
1st



JSH 1:21
Have you ever been treated unkindly or similar to Joseph because of your religious beliefs?

Who initiated much of the persecution against Joseph Smith?

JSH 1:24
What is significant about Joseph associating himself and his feelings to Paul the apostle?
Principle: During difficult times, we can draw strength from the examples of faithful individuals in the scriptures.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27

How can this help us in our lives?

"I had seen a vision; I knew it, and i knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it"
What does this phrase teach you about Joseph Smith's testimony of the First Vision?

How can you gain a witness that Joseph Smith actually saw God the Father and Jesus Christ?
Review: Learn, Act, Share


President Hinckley statement 2nd part.

What blessings came to Joseph Smith because he believed the promise from James?

Seminary Agenda-Wednesday 9/3/2014

Opening Song-
Opening Prayer-
Scripture- Connor Hall

Thought:

“Two [missionaries] called at the home of Mr. Elmer Pollard. … They presented their message and asked if he would join in prayer. He agreed, on the provision that he could offer the prayer.

“The prayer he offered astonished the missionaries. He said, ‘Heavenly Father, bless these two unfortunate, misguided missionaries, that they may return to their homes and not waste their time telling the people of Canada about a message which is so fantastic and about which they know so little.’

“As they arose from their knees, Mr. Pollard asked the missionaries never to return to his home. As they left, he said mockingly to them, ‘You can’t tell me you really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, anyway!’ and he slammed the door” (“The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,”  Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 69).

If you are one of those missionaries, what would you have said Mr. Pollard?

How can someone know for themselves that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God?

Joseph Smith history-1:1-2
What were reasons Joseph Smith gave for writing his history and the history of the church?

According to verse one, What was circulating among the people during the early days of the church?

What can we learn from Joseph Smith reason for writing his history that can help us avoid being seen by false or misleading information?

What are credible sources?

How do you discern a false teaching?

How can reading Joseph Smith's own words help someone know the truth about his experience?

How can you know the truth about Joseph Smith being call as a prophet?

According to Elder Neil L Anderson
“There have always been a few who want to discredit the Church and to destroy faith. Today they use the Internet. “Some of the information about the Church, no matter how convincing, is just not true” (“Trial of Your Faith,”  Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 41).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said the following:
“Latter-day Saint readers should … be … sophisticated in their evaluation of what they read. …

“Our individual, personal testimonies are based on the witness of the Spirit, not on any combination or accumulation of historical facts. If we are so grounded, no alteration of historical facts can shake our testimonies. Our Heavenly Father gave us powers of reason, and we are expected to use them to the fullest. But he also gave us the Comforter, who he said would lead us into truth and by whose power we may know the truth of all things. That is the ultimate guide for Latter-day Saints who are worthy and willing to rely on it” (“Reading Church History” [address to CES religious educators, Aug. 16, 1985], 7,  LDS.org ).

What stood out to you about these two statements?

Joseph Smith wrote the account of the 1st vision in 1838 as part of an official history of the church. There are 9 known accounts of the first visoin-4 were dictated by Joseph Smith, five written by others retelling his experience. In these accounts, Joseph Smith emphasized different aspects of the experience of the first vision, but the accounts all agree in the essential truth that Joseph Smith did indeed have the heavens opened to him and see divine messengers, including God the father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Because the 1838 account was part of Joseph Smith's official history and testimony to the world, it was included in the pearl of great price as scripture.

Reference Joseph Smith's recitals of the first vision

Read Joseph Smith history 1:5-13
How did Joseph feel as a result of the religious excitement that surrounded him?

What were some of the questions he was struggling with?

Have any of you ever asked similar questions?  What did you do to resolve them?

Read JSH 1:11
Where did Joseph turn for help in answering his questions?

What principle taught in James 1:5 helped Joseph Smith have confidence that he could find answers to the questions he had?

Read JSH 1:14-15
Why do you think Satan tried to stop Joseph Smith from praying?

Write on the board
Joseph Smith saw God the father and Jesus Christ
Why is it important to have a testimony that Joseph Smith saw God the father and his Son, Jesus Christ?

How do you know that Joseph Smith saw God the father and his Son, Jesus Christ
Pattern of Testimony
Learn, Act, Share

What are some principles we learn from Joseph Smith's first vision?

Finish Mr. Pollard Story
[Mr. Pollard later testified:] ‘That evening, sleep would not come. I tossed and turned. Over and over in my mind I heard the words, “Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know it. … I know it. … I know it.” I could scarcely wait for morning to come. I telephoned the missionaries. … They returned, and this time my wife, my family, and I joined in the discussion as earnest seekers of truth. As a result, we have all embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ’” (“The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” 69).

Testify
Ask students to testify

Seminary Agenda- 8/29/2014 Scripture Mastery and Studying the Scriptures

Opening Song-TBA
Opening Prayer- TBA
Scripture-Connor Hall

Senior Visit

What are we looking for when we study the scriptures?

What is an example of principles learned from Joseph Smith's First Vision?

D&C 121:1-8
Where was Joseph Smith
How does understanding where he was affect the meaning of the teachings found in the scriptures?

Where are some places you can go to understand definitions in the scriptures better?

Scripture Mastery Activity
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Reading assignment next week is Joseph Smith History.

Seminary Agenda 8/28/2014-Apostasy

Opening song-TBA
Opening prayer-TBA
Scripture- Zoya Shatto

Remind to text selfie
Remind to text any readings

Mechanical object demonstration

Ephesians 2:19-22
According to this verse which parts of God's church are essential?

Why are prophets and apostles so important to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?

What does priesthood authority allow us to receive and make? Why?

Mark 3:13-14
What else is essential to Christ's church?

The truths and doctrine we have received have come and will continue to come by divine revelation. In some faith traditions … doctrinal matters may become a contest of opinions. … But in the Church today, just as anciently, establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine revelation to those the Lord endows with apostolic authority” (“The Doctrine of Christ,”Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 86).

What does Elder Christofferson point out the role of prophets and apostles is?

What is doctrine?

Why did Elder Boyd K. Packer state, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior." How does doctrine change behavior?

What is an ordinance? 

Why do you think ordinances are an essential part of Jesus Christ's Church?

Why is Baptism important?
John 3:5

Who leads and guides the Church?

What does Apostasy Mean?
Review 2 Thessaolonians 2:1-3

Scripture activity:
identify something that threatened the church:
Acts 12:1-3
2 Timothy 4:3-4
2 Peter 2:1-2

Why were these threats so dangerous?

How would the loss of priesthood authority affect the other essential elements of the church?

"James was killed in Jerusalem by Herod.  Peter and Paul died in Rome.  Tradition holds that Philip went to the East. Much more than this we do not know.  

They scattered; they taught, testified, and established the Church.  And they died for their beliefs, and with their deaths came the dark centuries of apostasy. 

The most precious thing lost in the Apostasy was the authority held by the Twelve-- the priesthood keys.  For the church to be His Church, there must be a Quorum of the Twelve who hold the keys and confer them on others."

Why does the loss of priesthood authority affect the other essential elements of the Church?

Was There any way that people could repair church without the apostles and prophets, priesthood authority, or correct knowledge of Jesus Christ's doctrine? Why or why not?

"at this issues past, the flame flicker Indian. Or misses were change for van. The line was broken, and the authority to confer the Holy Ghost as a gift was gone. The dark ages apostasy settled over the world."

Why do you think it is important to understand the great apostasy and its consequences?

What is personal apostasy?

Why must we guard against personal apostasy? 
How do we guard against personal apostasy?

Seminary Agenda 8/27/2014-Intro to Doctrine and Covenants

Opening Song-
Opening Prayer-
Scripture-

What books do you think the entire world would benefit from reading?
Why? (Display a few books)

"The Doctrine and Covenants is the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man"

President Joseph Fielding Smith declared that "it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth"

What are your thoughts about this statement?

What is Doctrine?
8th paragraph of the introduction to D&C

What is a Covenant?
How does it work and what is it predicated upon?

What is revelation?
How does one receive revelation?

What doctrines of the church interest you to learn more about?

How does understanding Doctrines benefit you during your life?

Why is a testimony of the Savior Valuable?

Whose Voice do we hear speak to us throughout the D&C?
1st paragraph of the D&C.

D&C 18:34-36
How do we hear the voice of the Savior as we study the D&C?
Based on this scripture what can you now testify of?

What words are used to describe the Saviors Voice?
3rd Paragraph of the intro.

In the Doctrine & Covenants, terms such as "the Lord" or "God" generally refer to Jesus Christ.  He is the speaker throughout the Doctrine and Covenants.

What benefits can come to your life from being able to hear and recognize the voice of the Lord?

Why do you think studying the doctrine and covenants will benefit you life?
6th Paragraph of the Intro.

What situations come up during the school year in which you could benefit from the the Lord's guidance?

When have you faced a situation in which you needed the Lords help or guidance and you received it?

Take a minute and write in a notebook or journal how you hope the D&C will benefit your lives and what you will do the help this happen.

12 Apostles Testimony in the Intro
Which phrases from the 12 apostles testimony of the doctrine and covenants stand out to you and why?

I challenge you to study and pray about the Doctrine and Covenants every day during the school year and hope that you will learn to hear the Savior's voice and receive guidance from him.

Lesson Agenda 8/26/2014-Plan of Salvation

Opening Hymn-A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
Opening Prayer-TBA
Scripture-Aubrey Whittle


What is God's purpose?
Moses 1:39

What is the difference between immortality and eternal life?

What are some of the blessings Given to those who receive eternal life?
Romans 8:17
D&C 84:38
Galatians 4:7

How were we different from our Heavenly Father in our Pre-earth life?

In the Pre-earth life what did heavenly father present to us to help us inherit immortality and eternal life?

Moses 4:1-3
Why was Satan's desire to "redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost" not approved by Heavenly father?
How did Satan desire to destroy the agency of man?
Where does God's glory come from?

What is Mortality?

Why did we need to leave God's Presence to become more like him?

How do Mortal Challenges prepare us to return to live with Heavenly Father?

What are some of the mortal challenges you have faced in life and what did you learn from them?

What are the two challenges we face during this mortal time on earth?

What must we do to access the cleansing power of the atonement and receive eternal life?
D&C 25-13-15
D&C 18:22-23

Lesson Agenda 8/25/2014 - Get to know you

Opening Song- A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
Opening Prayer - Rebecca Gull
Scripture -

Get to know you

Assignment: Text Brother Bayne a Selfie with your phone so he has your phone number.

Went quickly over class rules, website, and graduation requirements.

Discussed why we read scriptures Romans 15:4

Gave an assignment to text Brother Bayne Weekly or nightly readings to be tracked for Graduation.

Roles the Holy Ghost plays in teaching and learning

Fundamentals of Gospel Teaching and Learning

He bears witness of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ether 12:41).

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He edifies (lifts or builds spiritually) both the teacher and the student (see 1 Corinthians 14:12; D&C 50:22–23; 84:106).

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He bestows the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes such things as joy, love, peace, patience, and gentleness (see Galatians 5:22–23; Romans 15:13; D&C 6:23; 11:12–13).

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He empowers a person to speak with authority and boldness (see 1 Nephi 10:22; Alma 18:35; Moroni 8:16).

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He testifies to the truthfulness of gospel doctrines and principles (see John 15:26; D&C 21:9; 100:8).

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He imparts truth, knowledge, insights, understanding, and enlightenment (see John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9–11, 14; D&C 6:14; 11:13–14; 76:5–10, 116).

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He helps teachers and students remember ideas, concepts, or principles (see John 14:26).

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He inspires a person in what to say or what not to say (see Luke 12:11–12; 2 Nephi 32:7; D&C 84:85; 100:5–6).

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He carries truth to the hearts of people (see 2 Nephi 33:1).

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He softens the hearts of people (see 1 Nephi 2:16; Alma 24:8).

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He gives comfort (see John 14:26; D&C 88:3).

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He sanctifies and changes hearts (see Mosiah 5:2; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moroni 6:4).

Thanks 

William Bayne