LESSON 9 – THE BOOK OF MORMON

We have the glorious opportunity to discuss again the Book of Mormon, keystone of our religion. Ezra Taft Benson said

“we should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings.”

Prophets have said we can get “nearer to God” by reading the Book of Mormon, than any other book - why then wouldn't we read this book first? And daily?

For our discussion Sunday, ponder some of these questions?

1. What specifically have you learned from this great book?

2. Why is the Book of Mormon called The New Covenant?

3. What doctrines are clarified by the Book of Mormon?

4. What has the Lord,himself,said about the Book of Mormon?

5. How has reading the Book of Mormon made you more like Christ?

6. Who are your heroes in the Book of Mormon? Why?

 Sisters, we all love the Book of Mormon, let’s discuss Sunday, just how blessed we are to have it in “our day”.

Love you, Sister Karen Bateman

"Is Not This the Fast that I have Chosen?"

This week we are studying "Is Not This the Fast that I have Chosen?" given by President Eyring during the April 2015 General Conference. He started out his talk with Isaiah's words about fasting in Isaiah 58, where we are promised that our fast can:

 -loose the bands of wickedness
 -undo heavy burdens
 -free us from oppression
 -break every yoke that binds us

I would invite each of you to think of the very personal and intimate needs of yourself and your family. Applying this verse, think of the ways that you could be blessed by the law of the fast in greater measure.

I would also invite each of you to sit down at some point this week and prayerfully read and ponder both president eyring's talk and Isaiah chapter 58. Allow the spirit to teach you about the power of fasting by bringing back to your memory the experiences you have already had with fasting, as well as giving you a hope for the blessings you can receive in the future through observance of the law.

I am continually so grateful for each of you. When you share your experiences and bear your testimonies during relief society, the spirit carries the simple truths of the gospel to my heart and broadens my understanding. I look forward to learning about fasting with you on Sunday.


Claira Wilson

President Ezra Taft Benson, Chapter 8: The Power of the Word

Sisters,

This week in Relief Society, we will be discussing Chapter 8 in the Ezra Taft Benson manual, "The Power of the Word". I love this lesson that teaches us about the power that is to be found in the word of God and the promised blessings if we are diligent in studying the scriptures! President Benson says:

 "My dear brethren [ and sisters!], this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life." (emphasis added)

President Benson shares counsel from other prophets and apostles and then adds:

 "I add my voice to these wise and inspired brethren and say to you that one of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders [ and righteous women] is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends to your calling. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve." (emphasis added)

On Sunday we will talk about these principles and share our own testimonies about the power in the word of God and how we can have more of that power in our daily lives.

 See you Sunday!
 Stephanie Johnson