Note from the Editor: This blog was created and used as a resource for a Gospel Doctrine course that I taught in our last ward. When we moved I was released from the call to teach and it no longer made sense to continue posting each week for a class and discussion that I was no longer privileged to lead. I was recently called to teach Relief Society and am thrilled to be able to utilize this blog as a resource for preparation once again. It seems appropriate to share the responsibility for the success of our class with each of you, Doctrine & Covenants 50 explains " Wherefore, he that preacheth (by the spirit) and he that receiveth (by the spirit), understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." I hope that together we are edified and can rejoice together. Of course we will both have to be prepared by the spirit in order for that to happen.
I will teach the 2nd week of each month. The material for this course comes from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith.
In preparation for our lesson on April 8th, please review the following:
Chapter 6: Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains (pg57)
PURPOSE: Help students understand that leaders are chosen by the Lord, and He expects us to sustain them in word and action.
Discussion Outline
1. Those who preside over the Church are prepared, chosen, and inspired by the Lord.
2. Through His servants, the Lord teaches us the pathway to happiness and safety.
3. Those who are humble and faithful sustain and defend the Lord’s servants.
4. When we criticize our leaders or disregard their counsel, we allow the adversary to lead us astray.
5. When we sustain our leaders, we commit to follow their counsel and magnify our own callings.
Conclusion:
"God grant that we who have been so bountifully blessed may hold up the hands of the servant of the Lord who presides over us; that we may help him not only by our faith and prayers but by loving kindness as opportunity offers; that we may march under the banner that he shall hold aloft as God continues to sustain him as President of the Church, as the prophet of the Lord in these latter days.20
Let us sustain these men whom God has raised up to preside over us. Let us bless them, not only by our lips, but by assisting in every possible way to carry this burden that rests so heavily upon their shoulders. … Pray for and bless them and help them."
Suggestions for Study - Consider these ideas as you prepare to participate.
1. As you study this chapter, consider ways you can show by your words and actions that you sustain the leaders of the Church.
2. How is the Lord’s way of choosing leaders different from the world’s way? What experiences have you had that strengthened your faith that our leaders are chosen by the Lord?
3. What specific counsel has the Lord given through the current President of the Church? through your stake or district president? through your bishop or branch president? What blessings have you received as you have followed this counsel?
4. What does it mean to you to sustain Church leaders? How does sustaining Church leaders strengthen our families and homes?
5. Why is it dangerous to criticize the leaders of the Church? What would be an appropriate way to respond if someone were to point out a fault in one of your local leaders?
**For those who read the lesson I am offering a sweet treat! Leave a message on this post and I will have a little something for you Sunday. Pass the word on so that everyone leaves with a treat!
