Stories of Christ: Story 49

A Review

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Story

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Principle taught

Scripture Reader

Scripture Reference

Video

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Why that Ornament

Song

49

23-Dec

Review

Christmas Tree

Witness of Christ

NT 55

Acts 1:8-11

For God so Loved the World

The Ascension of Christ

The needles on a tree point upward reminding us to look up and forward to His return. Witnessing to others that he will return.

The Church of Jesus Christ CS 77

Video

These videos are a great review of many of the stories of Christ visited over the past few weeks.  The first is narrated by scriptures, the second is a music video to O Holy Night 

Quote/Principle

Our responsibility is to share the teachings and stories we have learned with others, to be a witness of Jesus Christ.  To do this we must be converted to Him.

We serve as witnesses of Jesus Christ through our baptism, our membership in his Church, our partaking of the sacrament, and our prayers and other actions in his name. But our duty to be witnesses of Jesus Christ requires more than this, and I fear that some of us fall short. Latter-day Saints can become so preoccupied with our own agendas that we can forget to witness and testify of Christ… How do members become witnesses? The original Apostles were eyewitnesses to the ministry and resurrection of the Savior. He told them, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” However, he cautioned them that their witnessing would be after they had received the Holy Ghost. An eyewitness was not enough. Even the witness and testimony of the original Apostles had to be rooted in the testimony of the Holy Ghost.

Dallin H. Oaks, Witnesses of Christ, Oct 1990, General Conference

Ornament

The needles of the tree point upward to heaven.  This can remind us to look up, remember the lessons of Jesus Christ, witness of them to those around us, and prepare for the coming of Christ.

Stories of Christ: Story 46

Resurrection

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Why that Ornament

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46	20-Dec	Resurrection	⃝ Christ's Hand	Resurrection	NT 54	John 20:1-20	Jesus is Resurrected	Mary and the Resurrected Christ	From Christus Statue a reminder of the risen Lord.	Did Jesus Really Live Again CS 64
							His Sacred Name an Easter Declaration

Video

The first video is the bible video depicting the events to the resurrection.  The second video is an Easter video that ends with President Monson testifying the Jesus has risen.

Quote/Principle

The resurrection is a miracle that is central to the plan of salvation.  Because of it we all will be resurrected and this brings such comfort and hope.

Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by His matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the world. He gave His life for each of us. He took it up again and became the firstfruits of them that slept. He, as King of Kings, stands triumphant above all other kings. He, as the Omnipotent One, stands above all rulers. He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form. Gordon B. Hinckley, Glorious Easter Morn, April 1996 General Conference

Ornament

The resurrected  Christ

Stories of Christ: Story 45

Way of Suffering/ Crucifixion

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Story

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Scripture Reader

Scripture Reference

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Why that Ornament

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45	19-Dec	Way of Suffering/ Crucifixion	Holly	Redeemer	NT 53	Luke 23:33-46	None Were With Him	The Crucifixion	Holly's sharp leaves represent the crown of thorns. The red berries represent his blood.	I Stand All Amazed HB 193
						50-56	Jesus is Laid in a Tomb

Video

3 videos, the first is Christ's crucifixion, the second is Him being laid in the tomb, the third is Elder Holland discussing the Saviors last moments with video as well.

Quote/Principle

There are so many good quotes about the atonement.  This week I taught a lesson from Gordon B. Hinckley's teachings about the atonement and it has amazing testimony.  Whatever quote is used the principle of Jesus Christ voluntarily giving up His life for us is an amazing miracle.  The quote below is from the talk included in the video.  It talks about the Savior's understanding of being alone and how because of that we need not be alone.

“Brothers and sisters, one of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, None Were With Him, April 2009, General Conference

Ornament

The Holly's sharp leaves represent the crown of thorns Christ wore, the red berries represent His blood.

Stories of Christ: Story 44

The Garden of Gethsemane

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44	18-Dec	Gethsemane	Tree	Atonement	NT 51	Matt 26:36-45	The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane	Jesus Praying in Gethsemane	Garden of Gethsemane was full of trees	He Sent His Son CS 34
						D&C 19:16-19

Video

Quote/Principle

There in the quiet isolation of the Garden of Gethsemane, He knelt among the gnarled olive trees, and in some incredible way that none of us can fully comprehend, the Savior took upon Himself the sins of the world. Even though His life was pure and free of sin, He paid the ultimate penalty for sin—yours, mine, and everyone who has ever lived. His mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish were so great they caused Him to bleed from every pore (see Luke 22:44; D&C 19:18). And yet Jesus suffered willingly so that we might all have the opportunity to be washed clean—through having faith in Him, repenting of our sins, being baptized by proper priesthood authority, receiving the purifying gift of the Holy Ghost by confirmation, and accepting all other essential ordinances. Without the Atonement of the Lord, none of these blessings would be available to us, and we could not become worthy and prepared to return to dwell in the presence of God.

M. Russell Ballard, The Atonement and the Value of One Soul, April 2004, General Conference

Ornament

This tree represents one of the many that surrounded Jesus as he suffered for our sins and heartaches.  What a miracle.

Stories of Christ: Story 16

Sermon on the Mount:  The Higher Law

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16

20-Nov

Sermon on the Mount (2)

Sunshine

Rise above Natural Man, Perfection

Matt 5: 17-48

Sermon on the Mount: The Higher Law

Celestial Kingdom is what we are aiming for

Silent Night

Video

Quote/Principle

We can rise above the natural man and become the individuals our Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ know we can become.  We can be perfect.

Concluding this part of his sermon, Jesus reiterated that the old law was fulfilled in his coming, and that there was now a new order of things--a higher law--to guide our relationships with one another. Then follows the invitation for us to become perfect as Jesus and the Father are perfect... Knowing that becoming perfect through Christ is eventually possible and that the Savior is "pulling for us" is a compelling thought.

Larry E. Dahl; The Higher Law, Ensign February 1991

Ornament

The Lord has asked us to be perfect to aim for all we can become.  The sun represents the Celestial Kingdom that as we follow the higher law with the Savior's grace we will make it.

Premortal Life

Premortal Life: PL

Jeremiah 1:4-5

In the beginning with God                       D&C 93:29

Noble and Great ones                             Abraham 3:22-23

Adam was told of existence before birth Moses 6:51

All things created spiritually first             Moses 3:5

Received lessons and preparation         D&C 138:55-56

Made choices in Heaven                        Alma 13:3

War in Heaven                                        Revelation 12:7-9

Death returns us to God                         Ecclesiastes 12:7

Resurrection brings us back to Lord      Helaman 14:17

Without an understanding of our premortal life we cannot correctly comprehend our relationship with our Heavenly Father, nor can we completely grasp the purpose of this earth life and our divine destiny. This doctrine of premortal life, was known to ancient Christians. For nearly five hundred years the doctrine was taught, but it was then rejected as a heresy by a clergy that had slipped into the Dark Ages of apostasy. Once they rejected this doctrine … they could never unravel the mystery of life. They became like a man trying to assemble a strand of pearls on a string that was too short. There is no way they can put them all together.

There is no way to make sense out of life without a knowledge of the doctrine of premortal life. … When we understand the doctrine of premortal life, then things fit together and make sense.

Life did not begin with mortal birth.  When we comprehend the doctrine of premortal life, we know that we are the children of God, that we lived with him in spirit form before entering mortality.

We know that this life is a test, that life did not begin with birth, nor will it end with death.

Then life begins to make sense, with meaning and purpose even in all of the chaotic mischief that mankind creates for itself.

                Boyd K. Packer, October 1983 General Conference

Because we came to earth to be tested and to walk by faith, the Lord has not revealed many details about premortal life. What has been revealed, however, is sufficient for us to accomplish our purpose here on earth.

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “In the premortal world we were taught the Father’s plan of redemption and enjoyed moral agency. Through the use of this agency, men and women developed varying appetites, talents, and capacities over time and no spirits remained the same” (Give Heed unto the Word of the Lord [CES fireside for young adults, May 2, 1999], 2).

During your premortal life you learned to love truth. You made correct eternal choices. You knew that here in mortality, there would be afflictions and adversity, sorrow and suffering, tests and trials to help you grow and progress. You also knew that you could continue making correct choices, repent of incorrect choices, and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ inherit eternal life.

                Randall K. Bennett, October 2011 General Conference

One of the strange things to me is the fact that so many people believe that there is a spirit in man and when he dies that spirit continues to live as an immortal thing, yet that it had no existence until man was born in this mortal life. 

Joseph Fielding Smith in Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R McConkie vol 1:56

I am a Child of God

I am a Child of God: CoG

Acts 17:28-29

Children of the most High                       Psalms 82:6

Obedience to Father of Spirits                Hebrews 12:9

Gifts for benefit to Children of God         D&C 46:26

Earth Created for the Lord’s Children     1 Nephi 17:36

All have same father                               Malachi 2:10

God tells Moses he is His son                Moses 1:1-4

Moses testifies of his divinity                   Moses 1:13

Sons and daughters unto God                D&C 76:24

ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.

                                The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Who are we? We are children of God.  Our potential is unlimited. Our inheritance is sacred. May we always honor that heritage—in every thought and deed.

                Russell M. Nelson, October 1998 General Conference

Here on earth, we identify ourselves in many different ways, including our place of birth, our nationality, and our language. Some even identify themselves by their occupation or their hobby. These earthly identities are not wrong unless they supersede or interfere with our eternal identity—that of being a son or a daughter of God…

We live in a world that can cause us to forget who we really are. The more distractions that surround us, the easier it is to treat casually, then ignore, and then forget our connection with God…

In today’s world, no matter where we live and no matter what our circumstances are, it is essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual repentance, and will provide the strength to “be steadfast and immovable” throughout our mortal journey.

                Donald L. Hallstrom, April 2016 General Conferencce

We are sons and daughters of a living God, in whose image we have been created. Think of that: created in the image of God. We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power.

                Thomas S. Monson, June 2010 First Pres. Message

If you really know that you are a child of God, you will also know that He expects much of you, His child. He will expect you to follow His teachings and the teachings of His dear Son, Jesus. He will expect you to be generous and kind to others. He will be offended if you swear or use foul language. He will be offended if you are dishonest in any way, if you should cheat or steal in the slightest. He will be happy if you remember the less fortunate in your prayers to Him. He will watch over you and guide you and protect you.

                Gordon B. Hinckley, April 2003 General Conference

Just think of it! Within every human body dwells a living spirit born to our loving, eternal heavenly parents.

                M. Russell Ballard, October 1978 General Conference

Advocate, Mediator, Intercessor

Advocate, Mediator, Intercessor: AMI

John 14:6

Advocate:

Atonement allows                                             D&C 45:3-5

Jesus testifies of His role                                D&C 110:4

Faith→cleaves to good→advocate                Moro. 7:28              

Mediator:

Between God & Men                                        1 Tim 2:5

Christ mediator of life                                        Gal 3:19-20 JST

Intercessor:

Able to save                                                      Heb 7:25

Foreseen before birth                                       2 Ne. 2:9

Part of Father’s plan                                         Mosiah 15:8

Intercessory Prayer                                          John 17

                                                                               

To intercede means to reconcile, mediate, or plead for.

An advocate is like a lawyer who pleads a case or cause.

     New Testament Teacher Resource Manual, (2002), 126–29

Just before He went to Gethsemane for the last time, Jesus gave what is known as the great Intercessory Prayer. It is given this name because in it the Savior prayed to His Father on behalf of His disciples and all those who believe in their words.

      New Testament: Student Study guide, (2003), 89–90

Comprehending Him as our Advocate, Intercessor, and Mediator with the Father gives us assurance of His unequaled understanding, justice, and mercy.

                Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, Apr 2000, 4

Without the Savior’s birth and Atonement, we would have no Intercessor, no Advocate with the Father, and no Mediator who makes it possible for us to return to the presence of our loving Heavenly Father and live together as eternal families.

                Gary E. Stevenson. Ensign, December 2014

I believe that our Heavenly Father wants to save every one of his children.  I do not think he intends to shut any of us off. …

I believe that in his justice and mercy he will give us the maximum reward for our acts, give us all that he can give, and in the reverse, I believe that he will impose upon us the minimum penalty which it is possible for him to impose.”

                J. Reuben Clark, October 1953 General Conference

Each of us lives on a kind of spiritual credit. One day the account will be closed, a settlement demanded. However casually we may view it now, when that day comes and the foreclosure is imminent, we will look around in restless agony for someone, anyone, to help us.

     And, by eternal law, mercy cannot be extended save there be one who is both willing and able to assume our debt and pay the price and arrange the terms for our redemption.

     Unless there is a mediator, unless we have a friend, the full weight of justice untempered, unsympathetic, must, positively must fall on us. The full recompense for every transgression, however minor or however deep, will be exacted from us to the uttermost farthing.

     But know this: Truth, glorious truth, proclaims there is such a Mediator.

                Boyd K. Packer; April 1977, General Conference