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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

How appropriate we get to study Elder Oak’s talk on the Atonement on this Easter Sunday! I pray that we will come away more fully understanding the Atonement and how we can apply it in our lives.

“Most scriptural accounts of the Atonement concern the Savior’s breaking the bands of death and suffering for our sins….but he also...experienced the pains and sicknesses and infirmities of His people.”

President Boyd K. Packer explained, “He had no debt to pay. He had committed no wrong. Nevertheless, an accumulation of all of the guilt, the grief and sorrow, the pain and humiliation, all of the mental, emotional, and physical torments known to man – He experienced them all.”

And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Alma 7:12 (Succor means to give relief or aid to.)

We all have devastating trials in our lives. The healing and peace from the Atonement is the only way to heal from such devastation and loss. The Savior felt ALL things so he could truly understand and help us in our infirmities.

Through our Savior’s Atonement, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”. Philippians 4:13.

I’m looking forward to your insights this coming Sunday!

Natalie Buttars

Saturday, March 19, 2016

The Atonement & Resurrection of Jesus Christ

It is the week before Easter, and we will study Lesson #6 The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Sisters, there is no more important doctrine to know and understand than the Atonement and Resurrection. It is the center of every Christian's faith, and it is the greatest of all the miracles performed by our Savior, A wonderful free gift given by a loving Heavenly Father and His beloved Son. Christ's resurrection ushers in the blessings of immortality and the possibility of eternal life.

"I am the resurrection and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were dead,yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." ( John 11:25-26)

Think through your own life - how has the Atonement given you hope and assurance through your trials ?

Christ appeared to many people after His resurrection, why are their testimonies significant to you?

Christ has offered us the ability to conquer death and live eternally - What must we offer back to Him?

With all my heart Sisters, I testify that God loved us enough to offer his Only Begotten Son, the perfect Son to atone for our sins, die upon the cross, and have the power to resurrect in three days. I know that each of us will conquer death as well, and live again not only in their presence but with all those whom we loved so much in this second estate.

Love, Karen Bateman

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Chapter 5 "Joseph Smith - Prophet of the Restoration"

We will be studying about Howard W. Hunter's testimony, life and faith of Joseph Smith as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelatory of the restoration.

"Many times the gospel [has] been given to the world through the prophets, and each time [it has been] lost because of disobedience. In the year 1820 the silence was broken, and the Lord again appeared to a prophet."

President Hunter said, "I testify that the boy prophet, who in so many ways remains the central miracle … of this church’s experience, is living proof that, within God’s hands and under the direction of the Savior of the world, weak and simple things should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones.

“The responsibility I feel for the work the Prophet Joseph inaugurated fills me with a determination to do all I can in the time and season allotted to me. Surely Joseph was faithful and true to his time and season! … I bear solemn testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith as the Lord’s anointed servant in these the latter days. To his testimony of the divinity and reality of Jesus Christ I add my own.”

Why is it vital for Latter-day Saints to have a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God? 

Sisters, please study this lesson and come prepared to discuss Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration.

Sister Dunn