8/11/13 Review

*I'm sorry for the lesson delay--I didn't have access to a computer this past week*

Important Reminders
-Stake Conference Aug. 24-25

Lesson Review

This week’s lesson was Chapter 15 of the Teachings of Presidents of the Church-Lorenzo Snow (“Faithful, Energetic Service in the Kingdom of God”)

What does it mean to be “energetic” in our service in the Kingdom of God?  President Snow said, “Knowing our religion to be true we ought to be the most devoted people on the face of the earth to the cause we have embraced.”

He, himself, was a wonderful example of this statement.  As his mission in Italy drew to a close, he journeyed to the island nation of Malta, and hoped to board a ship there to India.  He felt a great desire to join the missionaries he had sent there under his supervision.  Elder Snow’s plans, however, changed when he learned that his transportation had been delayed.  He decided to make the most of the delay and go to work to establish a branch on Malta.

Because we have received the fullness of the gospel, we serve as ambassadors of Christ.  What does it mean to be an ambassador of Christ?  An ambassador is a representative of an organization or government, and as an ambassador of Christ, we are to not only to set good examples, but aid in building up His Kingdom.

Our membership in the Church is a call to help others receive salvation.  As we know, mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is: (1) proclaim the gospel; (2) perfect the saints; and (3) redeem the dead.  President Snow said, “When the Lord calls an individual or a class of individuals out from the world, it is not always with an object to benefit that particular individual or individuals.  The Lord has not in view merely the salvation of a few people called Latter-Day Saints…, but the salvation of all men, the living and the dead.”

Scriptural reference included:

Psalms 100:2

            Serve the Lord with ^agladness: come before his presence with ^bsinging.

D&C 64: 33-34

            33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.

34 Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

D&C 76:5-6

            For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am ^amerciful and gracious unto those who ^bfear me, and delight to honor those who ^cserve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

The best way to be faithful and energetic in our service in the Kingdom of God is to keep a constant desire to serve the Lord.

Next Week (8/18/13): Lorenzo Snow: Chapter 16 found HERE