Sunday, July 19, 2015

Youth Lesson - How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

What did we talk about last week?

Is there anything you would like to share from your gospel studies this week?

How can I prepare to receive temple ordinances?

Show the kids some temple cards and have them notice the ordinances.

Go through the ordinances as described in:
Preparing to Enter the House of the Lord, ensign July 2015

The same article is in the New Era. Have the kids read from the New Era.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Youth Lesson - What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

What did we learn about last week?

What did you learn about in your personal study this week?

Here's some questions I thought of while studying this week: Is it possible to have joy and sadness at the same time? Is it possible to have joy while in pain?

The dictionary defines joy as:
The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

Is it possible to have joy and sadness at the same time? Is it possible to have joy while in pain?

From last general conference Elder José A. Teixeira said,
“Brothers and sisters, today more than in any other time, we have at our disposal exceptional opportunities and resources to deepen our understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of His Atonement. Using these resources appropriately will help us live a fruitful life filled with joy.”

“The more we understand the extraordinary role of Christ in our lives, the more conscious we become of our purpose here in mortality, which is to have joy. That joy, however, does not preclude us from experiencing trials and difficulties, even some so great and complex that they may lead us to think that happiness is not possible in such circumstances.”

Perhaps that underlying joy get covered up a little, but it keeps us from hiring bottom or falling into despair, depression, or hopelessness. Perhaps faith, hope and joy feed each other and keep each other alive within us as we go through trials. Perhaps we build our faith which give us how, which gives us joy which gives us desire to obtain more faith. What do you think?

Have you had any gospel discussions this week with friends or family you would like to share?
 
What spiritual truths can I learn from the ordinances of the gospel?

From the manual :
"Ordinances are sacred, formal acts performed under priesthood authority. Ordinances symbolize gospel truths and teach us about Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Ordinances also teach us about who we are and remind us of our duty to God. Learning about the symbolism in the ordinances helps us understand the gospel more completely and strengthens our faith in Jesus Christ."

Let's break down what they are talking about here.

How do ordinances teach us about gospel truths?

What are some examples of ordinances that teach us gospel truths?

How do ordinances teach you about who you are?

How do ordinances remind you of your duty to God?

Let's talk about some of the ordinances and what they tell us about these things.

Sacrament Ordinance
Luke 22:19-20
19 ¶And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

That was a quick summary of the Sacrament. He gives the bread, which is a symbol of him body and we eat to remember him. He gives the cup of wine as a symbol of his blood which was shed for us. He calls it a new testament.

Do any of you have thoughts on this scripture?

3 Nephi 18:1-11
1 And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.
2 And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.
3 And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.
4 And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
6 And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
8 And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
9 And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10 And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.
11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.

Who knows where the Sacrament prayers are in the scriptures?

Doctrine and Covenants 20:77,79

So going back to the questions about ordinances, let's apply them specifically to baptism.

How does not Sacrament teach us about gospel truths?

How does the Sacrament teach you about who you are?

How does the Sacrament remind you of your duty to God?


Baptism covenant
Mosiah 18:8-10
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?


Doctrine and Covenants 20:37
37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.