The Church and Kingdom of God
"Let all men (and women) know assuredly that this is the Lord's Church and he is directing its affairs. What a privilege it is to have membership in such a divine institution!!"
Joseph Fielding Smith served for MANY years in the church. Almost 60 to be exact. He tells a story at the beginning of the lesson about having his first assignment at age 9 months. He accompanied his father President Joseph F. Smith and Brigham Young to St. George, Utah to attend the dedication of the St. George Temple. That was his very first church assignment. Whenever President Smith was called to anything, ANYTHING, he willingly and enthusiastically obeyed. He quietly exhibited this dedication one day when, at age 89, he went to a meeting. Walking from his home, he slipped and fell down a flight of steps. Although he hurt his leg, he walked about a quarter of a mile---limping like an old man--"he said"--so he could fulfill his responsibilities. After the meeting, he walked back home, where he finally allowed a doctor to examine him., The doctor found that President Smith's leg was fractured in multiple places. President Smith later commented on the experience.
"The meeting got a little long," he said. "But then, most meetings do."
This is why he is so dedicated: "I know that God lives. I know that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son in the flesh of our Father. I have perfect faith in the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith and those who have succeeded him. I know that we have the truth of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, just as well as I know that I live. If I did not know it, I wouldn't want to be here or have anuthing to do with this work. But I know it in every fiber of my body. God has revealed it to me."
1) After centuries of spiritual darkness and apostasy, the Lord has restored His gospel and organized His Church on the earth.
For centuries the world had been in spiritual darkness, without the authority, and without the understanding, they knew not how to worship the living God. So the Lord sent his messengers from his presence, with the fulness of the gospel, and with power, and the authority of the preisthood to bestow upon men, and gave them commandments....because the Lord knew the calamities which were to come upon the world.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth.
2) The Lord Himself directs the work of the Chruch, and it is our privilege to have membership in it.
If this were the work of man, it would fail, but it is the work of the Lord, and he does not fail!!
The Lord invites us ALL!! He wants us to be happy and make it back safely!!
3) The church is organized to help members find joy and happines in this life and eternal life in the life to come.
The Lord has established all thing in order and has given us a perfect system. Men cannot improve upon it. The plan is without flaw!!!
4) Our service in the Church expresses love for others and appreciation for the Lord's infinite service. NEVER REFUSE TO SERVE!!!
5) In this dispensation, the kingdom of God and the work of the Lord will spread throughout the world.
There has been one great thing added to this age--The Lord has decreed that the Church shall never again be led astray. This time the gospel is here to stay!!! YEA!!!
Rochelle did such a great job. We love our teachers!!! They are so amazing! Sorry if you weren't there. We missed you!! Come be with us!!
No comments:
Post a Comment