Preparing confirmation ch13-II

Moroni 6: 1-4 "Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins... having a determination to serve him to the end... to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith"
D&C 42: 78 "every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church"

Exodus 20: 8-11 "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy...wherefore, the Lord blessed the sabbath day"
Amos 3: 7 "Surely the Lord God doth nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants"
D7C 21: 4-6 "thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them... for his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith"
D&C 59: 9-10 "For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High"
D&C 42: 22-25 "but he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive"
D&C 63: 16 "if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear"
D&c 89: 18-21 "shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures"
D&C 119: 4 "those who have been thus tithed shall pay one tenth of all their interest annually and this shall be a standing law unto them forever"

Using time wisely to bring people to Christ_ Ch12

D&C 109:8 " Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God"

Priorities determine "what we seek in life" says elder Dallin H. Oaks. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:33 that we must seek first to build up his Kingdom. In Joseph Smith Translation Matt 6:38, the Lord promises that by establishing his righteousness the rest will be added unto us. Also, it is interesting to ponder upon the quote from Ensign May 2001: "our priorities are most visible in how we use our time... with time, we have only one opportunity for choice, an then it is gone forever."
It is important to plan each day and to set goals in companionship in order to be successful in missionary work. In doing so, missionaries will succeed better in finding investigators, teaching them, helping them progress, baptizing them.

Faith and Conversion

1 Nep 7: 12 "Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to him."
Moroni 7: 26 " and by faith, they become the sons of God... Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you. "

Romans 10: 17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Helaman 3: 35 "Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."

Prophets and Apostasy

-Amos 3: 7 " he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets"
Ephesians 4: 11-14 "And he gave some apostles, and some, prophets... until we all come to the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God"

Matthew 21: 33-43 "Parable of the vineyard Householder and his Husbandmen"
2 Nephi 25: 17 "Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people from their lost and fallen state... he will proceed to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men."

Acts 20: 29-30 "after my departing shall ^agrievous wolves enter in among you... to draw away disciples after them."
2 Timothy 1:15 "all that they are in Asia be turned away from me"

Joel 2: 28-29 "upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

A prophet is sent through the mercy of God to teach the plan of salvation to a new dispensation. God intended in this plan to save the truths and the ordinances. Such as Amos teaches, thee is not

Heavenly Father's Plan

1. Jeremiah 1:5 "Berfore I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee..."
2. Alma 42: 11 "remember... if it were not for the plan of redemption, as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord."
3. 2 Nephi 2:9 "he is the firstfruits unto God... he shall make the intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved."
4. Moses 6: 62-63 "This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten"
5. 1Corinthians 15: 19-23 "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are men most miserable [...] even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
6. D&C 93:33 "For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparable connected, receive a fulness of joy."
7. John 14:2 "I go to prepare a place for you."
8. D&C 98: 18 "for in my father's house are many mansions"

God's work and glory is to accomplish the immortality and the eternal life of men. Immortality is offered to us by Jesus Christ through the means of His resurrection (Alma 12:25). We are required to pass through, an not around, the doors of death according to the plan of salvation in order to be transformed immortals. Jesus Christ resurrected, and so we wil all follow this same pattern. Now eternal life is to be gained. Our journey on earth allows us to experience life with its trials and temptations as well as its opportunities. Then relying on our faith, deeds and endurance, God expects us to return to Him. The Lord spoke to the prophet Jeremiah declaring him that God himself knew him before he was born on earth, and that he had sanctified him or destined him and ordained him or delegated him to become a prophet down on earth. President Monson teaches that men chose to come into mortality. Eventually, the main purpose to descend to mortal life is to obtain a body of flesh and bones. Second, we, you and I, are to earn experience. Accordingly, Pdt Monson keeps teaching that we are privileged to choose for ourselves; we learn from hard taskmaster of experience; we discern between good & evil; we differentiate from bitter to sweet, and we understand decisions detemine destiny. It is only through our separation from our parents in heaven that we earn our personal knowledge. We liken this principle to a young missionary who goes onto his mission field and comes back having become more spiritually, emotionally, mentally mature. All in all, 2 Corinthians 6:9 states that we lived previously with God, we will live overcome death thanks to Jesus Christ, and we will live again as immortals.

Jesus Christ is the center in the plan of Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He died voluntarily for our sins. In other words, Jesus Christ died to rescue sinners. He was buried, and three days after he rose again. He then ascended to Heaven. Because of His atoning sacrifice, we are enabled to return also to Heaven. Jesus was the firsfruits, which also means that he was the Only Begotten Son. He was selected in the premortal life to hold the mission to atone for all mankind. We all depend upon Him. If we accpet the Plan of Salvation, we must understand also that are to accept the role of Jesus Christ as our Savior. Therefore, we must covenant to observe His eternal laws. Moses 5:8 reads "thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore".

His atoning sacrifice leads to Salvation. We need to comprehend that we are in a state of condition in which we depend on His sacrifice. Our condition can be illustrated by a man who fell into a dark and deep pit. Can he rescue himself alone? Adam fell so men are to have joy. He took of the forbidden fruit, so the law required that he was separated from the presence of God. This is also called spiritual death. He died as to things pertaining to righteousness (D&C 29:36). For this reason also, his body was subdued to death. This is what we call temporal death. In the same manner, we all now depend upon Jesus Christ. No one can reach the surface of the pit and relieve each other. Only Jesus Christ, through the mercy of Heavenly Father, was sent to save us. He is the only one because He was not subject to death nor sin. He also "descended below all things" (D&C 88:6). Alma 7: 11-12 reads that He took upon himself the pains, sicknesses, temptations, afflictions, and infirmities of us all. Further, He accomplished the Atoning Sacrifice. He eventually suffered the penalty for our acts of sin. Thanks to Him we can be atoned or we can be redeemed. Yes, we can be brought to a close embrace with God along with forgiveness and oneness of heart and mind. Equally important, unfairness of life can be made right by obedience to the laws and ordinances. In conclusion, we are now able to return to Heaven near Father; we are now able to endure to trials sicknesses and pains with His help, and we are now able to be filled with joy, peace and consolation.

In John 14:2 Jesus teaches that there are many mansions in His Father's house. The Celestial Kingdom is the highest degree where Heavenly Father lives, and where only we "can become like" (59) Him. Every children of God will inherit a kingdom of glory. Dallin H. Oaks declares that the righteous, regardless of current religious denomination or belief, will ultimately go to a kingdom of glory more wonderful than any of us can comprehend. Because of the wonderful gift Redemption that Jesus offers us, we will all resurrect. Restitution will be done unto us. We are disciplined by our leaders. We are taught to reach for the highest heaven because according to our obedience, we will "have equal opportunities for exaltation" (60).

We learn to teach "by Study and also by Faith" Part 2

• 2 Nep 33:1 "judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words"
• Romans 10:17 "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
• D&C 42:14 "the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach."
• 3. Alma 17: 2-3 "waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth... searched the scriptures diligently... that they might know the word of God." "given themselves to much prayer, and fasting... therefore they had the spirit of prophecy... spirit of revelation... they taught with power and authority of God."

As missionaries, we are first to teach the sacred truths of Jesus-Christ's gospel. Elder Henry B. Eyring teaches second that we ought to testify of their truthfulness so our testimony will help our investigators feel the Spirit. In D&C 100: 5-8 the Lord promises that if we speak the thoughts that He puts in our minds in the very hour and declare them in His name, the Holy Ghost will be shed forth in bearing record. Third, we should act so we help our investigators build their faith in Jesus Christ. Effectively, bearing testimony welcomes the Spirit as we are teaching.

With faith we are to study the Restored Gospel of Jesus-Christ. In order to do so, we should first seek understanding. It requires us to pray, to practice the principles the Gospel in our lives and to search the Scriptures. Second, we should cultivate our undesrstanding and faith. Cultivating them so they will grow pertains to obey individually to God's commandments and act righteously. In doing so, the Lord promises our efforts will be rewarded with an increased revelation. After all, He teaches us that when we ask, we shall receive. Lastly, He reminds us in 2 Nephi 9: 29 that Learning is good if we hearken unto His counsels, which improves our faith.

Treasuring up the Lord's word grants us the Holy Ghost. What is to pay the price to learn the Restored Gospel of Jesus-Christ? Alma and the sons of Mosiah set a good example of paying the price as they go among the Lamanites and preach them the Gospel. In Alma 17: 2-3 we read that they waxed strong in knowledge of truth and they searched the scriptures diligently so that they might know the word of God. Not only did they do so, but they were also prayerful and gave themselves to fasting so that they were able to teach with power and authority of God. They retained the spirit of revelation and propehcy. From there, when we teach with power from the Holy Ghost, our investigators have their thirst for spirituality quenched and are motivated to draw closer to Jesus-Christ. Again, the Lord promises that if we study the scriptures every day, the Holy Ghost will guide us.

We learn to teach "by study and also by faith" I

D&C 11: 21-22/19: 38 "seek to obtain my word... study my word" "you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof"
D&C 42: 14/100: 5-8 "and if you receive not the spirit ye shall not teach" "speak the words that I shall put into your hearts... in the spirit of meekness, in all things"
D&C 88: 118 "seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith"

Obtaining the word of God prerequisites obedience and prayer so all three components prepare missionaries to receive inspiration. Obedience shapes our spirituality. Personal revelation is the way Heavenly Father communicates to us through the Holy Ghost; therefore, we are to pray God which is the way we communicate to Him through the Holy Ghost. Consequently, we need to learn to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost, which sometimes may take time to come to us. In order for the Holy Ghost to testify to our minds and our hearts as we study the scriptures, we need to consume the words of God, we need to ponder upon them, and we need to ask God to clarify our understanding.
Pdt Benson quotes: "to study by faith is to seek understanding and the Spirit of the Lord through the prayer of faith." It is only through studying by faith that we are granted the power to convince hearers and learners. We are planting the seed or the doctrine of the gospel, and the scriptures suppport it.
The scriputes are integral to our study because the Lord promises to succeed righteously, to have power over temptation and deception, to be guided daily, to be healed from wounds and more to those who partake of His word. Also, L. Tom Perry quotes: "Our minds were sharpened as we followed the daily practice of individual and companion study. The practice brought us closer together as companions and increased our understanding of hte doctrines of the kingdom". The spirit power will assist us as we do a lesson plan also in companionships. Pdt Howard recommends that we set a duration of time to study the scriptures instead of a set of quantity of verses or chapters. A written preparation to teach the restored gospel helps organize our ideas, thoughts.

The companionship of the Holy Ghost

2 Nephi 32: 5, 8 "the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray"
2 Nephi 33: 1 "power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."
The gift of the Holy Ghost allows us to know what we should be doing. It prompts to pray, so Man does not fall into temptation. However because a manifestation or revelation is sacred and answers to our prayers, praying provides guidance. Also, the Lord answers to prayers on His own set time. Revelations are the way Heavenly Father talks to us, which also the Lord tries us in our faith and patience.
Elder M. Russell Ballard teaches that the missionaries should be sensitive to their investigators' interests and concerns. Because missionaries need to enlighten the misunderstandings, to give encouragements, to soften the doubts and to fix up concerns, they are to find out what their investigators think and feel. Therfore, in order for them to respond to this duty, they need the companionship of the Holy Ghost, which convertsthe heart of an investigator.
It is important an investigator has the Light of Christ because it makes the investigator receive the teachings of the Gospel of Christ easier.

Personal worthiness 1

D&C 95:8 The Lord declares that He commanded that a temple is built so He could endow those whom he has chosen "with power from on high".
Mosiah 26: 29 preaches repentance.
It is a condition to be personal worthy to be able to enter the House of the Lord or the temple. A missionary holds a title of more power when he/she is endowed in the temple. This principle of being endowed then entitled to more power partakes of the blessings from Heavenly Father because He trusteth the one he has chosen.
We must repent sincerly and properly prior to enter the temple. Consequently, it also means we must repent sincerly and properly prior to enter the mission field. We must believe in repentance, so we will be able to preach to others with a peace of conscience. We must rise up from our sins and come unto Jesus-Christ with a sincere heart, so He will not remember our sins no more. It is strongly encouraged to be true and honest about our personal worthiness before entering the mission field because again it is a great and marvelous work.

Called to serve 2

D&C 33:3 "The field is ready to harvest... it is the eleventh hour.."
D&C 4:4 "The sickle with his might"
Alma 42: 31 declares a powerful statement from the Lord to His missionaries. The voice of the Lord is directly heard through this scripture. He invites them strongly to preach, to go and declare His word "with truth and soberness". In the manual, I like the emphasis on the Lord's authorized servants whom He calls to invite people to come unto Christ. The truth of the Lord as a missionary is also our truth I believe. It is a part of us. Because "we can not teach something that we don't have", being a missionary applies to those who are ready to do this great and marvelous work. The Lord gives them authority to go and declare His word. It is indeed a great work. The sickle represents worthiness, or faith, or testimony to me. Because missionaries are worthy, the Lord give them power through blessings and trials. Faith leads people to stand for what they believe in. Faith influences a change in thoughts. Testimony defends the person you are. Therefore, as a personal representative of Jesus-Christ a missionary defends directly Jesus-Christ and His gospel.

Called to serve 1

Mark 16:15
God invites strongly missionaries to go and preach His gospel all over the world.
3 Nephi 27: 13-22
To do the will of the Father was the accomplishment of Jesus Christ's mission on this earth.
Called to serve announces to my mind that I will be a stewart to others and a minister of Christ. I will forget myself and not be selfish; I will be sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In other words, I will be a volunteer on behalf of Christ to teach His gospel. I picture missionaries eating and teaching us, my family and I, in my home in my precendent stage of life of teenagehood and childhood. At this time, as a young adult I anticipate this condition of becoming a full time missionary.
Because I have a treasure that I cherish, that gives me life, I believe that sharing it to other people is my duty of every day. I like what Paul says in Romans 1 verse 16 :"I will not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ". Our weaknesses do not encourage us to stand as good examples, but I believe that those weaknesses do encourage you and me to desire to teach and invite others who are sick and weak to meet Jesus-Christ. Indeed, everybody needs a smile to heal a little sorrow in the heart as well as every soul needs Jesus' gospel to heal unseen pain in the physical and spiritual bodies. I think of Jesus Christ as my friend and my savior. "God micro-manages the affairs of our lives as well as we allow Him to" cited president Orgill at the fireside last night. As well as this previous quote is explicit to me, I also believe that God knows how to deal with us. Consequently, I put my trust in the Lord that He knows those who are ready to hear His gospel. Otherwise, we as His laborers are sent to plant a seed in the hearts of those people.

seek learning by faith

Seeking Learning by faith implicates, like elder Bednar teaches, faith being the core of the learning process and the spiritual truth application. I believe what president Joseph Smith teaches about obtaining truth stands as a testimony to all people. I have come to understand more about faith which is composesd of three elements: assurance, action and evidence. I feel like a kid who has just learned a fundamental lesson of life that is to come up soon to be experienced so I will be able to understand more about it and then have knowledge about it.
I like what Prophet Joseph Smith declares such as "the best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching.” Also, I look forward to what Elder Bednar says: "Thus, learning by faith involves the exercise of moral agency to act upon the assurance of things hoped for and invites the evidence of things not seen from the only true teacher, the Spirit of the Lord".