Second Coming Survival Kit

Like so many other Old Testament prophets, Zechariah's prophecies foretold the coming of Christ, not just in the meridian of time (Jeremiah 9:9), but for the second time, when the Jews will recognize Jesus as their God (Jeremiah 13:6,9). In fact, "the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one." (Jeremiah 14:9)

Four years ago, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave an inspired sermon at General Conference entitled "Preparation for the Second Coming" (April 2004). Like Zechariah, he fixes our gaze on the day when we will meet the Savior:

"What if the day of His coming were tomorrow? If we knew that we would meet the Lord tomorrow—through our premature death or through His unexpected coming—what would we do today? What confessions would we make? What practices would we discontinue? What accounts would we settle? What forgivenesses would we extend? What testimonies would we bear?"

When these questions were posed to our class, one student responded: "I would probably stop doing a lot of stuff. I would try to forgive my dad. I would tell all my family I loved them and then bear my testimony of Christ." Another added, "We would change - probably tell people who the Lord is and tell them what he does for each one of us. We would also try to improve our standings with our fellowmen. And we would want to say to the Lord, 'I have done everything you have wanted me to do.'"

Elder Oaks challenged each of us to prepare for our meeting with the Savior:

"We need to make both temporal and spiritual preparation for the events prophesied at the time of the Second Coming. And the preparation most likely to be neglected is the one less visible and more difficult—the spiritual. A 72-hour kit of temporal supplies may prove valuable for earthly challenges, but, as the foolish virgins learned to their sorrow, a 24-hour kit of spiritual preparation is of greater and more enduring value."

Several students wrote in their journals what they would put in that "24-hour kit of spiritual preparation." Their lists included:
The Book of Mormon
My testimony
My faith
Soap (representing moral cleanliness)
The companionship of the Spirit
Gospel knowledge
Love
Repentance
Forgiveness
Good attitude
The priesthood
Advice from my parents
Advice from the prophet

Our current prophet/President, then Elder Thomas S. Monson, spoke at an April Conference when I was in high school (April 1972). He told of seeing a sign in a furniture store window which read, "Finishers Wanted." If we begin preparing for the Lord's coming, will we finish? If we undertake to read the Book of Mormon, will we finish? Will we finish repenting and forgiving? Will our faith, our testimonies and our love be enduring? Will we persist in striving to be chaste, in honoring the priesthood, and in seeking the Spirit? Will we always act upon wise counsel from our parents and, especially, from the Lord's annointed?

"Someday, we know not when, Christ will come again. It behooves us all to live faithfully and thus prepare ourselves for that grand event...
The Second Coming of the Lord will be a dramatic finish to His work before the Millennium. Those who labor with and wait for His appearance will not be disappointed. But only finishers, those who endure to the end, will be there."

(Elder Thomas S. Monson, Conference Report, April 1972)

As I reflect on the insights the students in our class have offered, and the counsel the prophets have given, I can sense that we have all begun preparing for the Lord's coming. My earnest hope is that we will finish!

Principles and Prophets

After studying the more extensive writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel, we turned this week to the writings of "minor prophets" such as Hosea, Joel and Amos (referred to as "minor prophets" only because their writings are shorter). We have yet to study several more. Why so many prophets? Amos 3:7 reveals the Lord's pattern in dealing with us:

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

Today's journaling assignment was to identify a prophet, ancient or modern, a principle he taught, and to describe how that principle had made a difference in our lives.

Not every student responded, and of those who did, not all responded appropriately. I have come to expect that from time to time. These students are great people. But they ARE people. Sarcasm, apathy, pride ... creep into our way of being and thinking, and into our exchanges in class sometimes. Unfortunately, we don't always live up to our privileges, when it comes to inviting the Spirit to direct what we say and do.

On this theme of not always getting it right, Bethany found Solomon's life and teachings instructive: "Solomon made bad choices in his life, but at one time he was a spiritual giant. He wrote Proverbs, a beautiful piece of work. When I was younger, my mom told me to read Proverbs. I don't remember why she told me to, but I still remember the peace [Solomon's] words instilled. Proverbs 1:10 says 'If sinners entice thee, consent thou not.' I've consented plenty of times, but I have hope and the ability to repent. God truly wants me to succeed."

Michael reminded us that Noah also taught repentance. Michael states, "I know that I can be forgiven for any sins that I have done. His story also shows what happens when sinners don't repent and I don't want to drown in a flood."

"Samuel taught meekness and lowliness and that is how he chose David as king of Israel," observed Chad, adding that this principle had helped him temper his pride and keep him "willing to try and learn new things."

A prophet who was willing to try and DO new things was Nephi. Erik wrote that Nephi's faith had helped him learn "that by trusting in the Lord we can do incredible things."

Ryan Palmer appreciated Moses' lesson on the value of life: "Thou shalt not kill," while Stephanie celebrated a statement on life by President Gordon B. Hinckley: "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." She elaborated, "This has made a difference in my life because there are some points in my life where I am just enduring it but now I know that everything in life should be enjoyed."


Another student impacted by Gordon B. Hinckley was Brandon: "When he was a prophet there were a lot of temples built. Now I can go visit these temples and someday I'll be married in one of them." I love Brandon's commitment to the principles of temple worship and eternal marriage!

Seeing the Biblical pattern of prophets restored in modern times is a great witness to me of the divinity of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Each prophet and each principle invites us to look to Christ. From ancient prophets to those of the Restoration, including our present-day prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, prophets are a vital link between God and His people. If we would know God's "secrets," we must listen to and follow His prophets. Like the Savior, who sought only to do the will of the Father, prophets seek to serve and testify of their Lord and Master. Each principle they teach invites us to do the same.

Surviving the Fiery Furnace

Recorded in the third chapter of "Daniel" is a remarkable account of three of the most devout young men in scripture. Having refused to worship the image of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, they were given an ultimatum: bow down to the idol or face death in a fiery furnace. The late Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had this to say about their bold refusal to put anything or anyone before God:

"Regarding trials, including of our faith and patience, there are no exemptions - only variations (see Mosiah 23:21)... the faithful will not be totally immune from the events on this planet. Thus the courageous attitudes of imperiled Shadrach, Mesach, and Abed-nego are worthy of emulation. They knew that God could rescue them. 'But if not,' they vowed, they would still serve God anyway (see Daniel 3:16-18). Similarly, keeping the unfashionable but imperative first and seventh commandments can reflect the courage which three young women displayed anciently; they said no with their lives (see Abraham 1:11)." Conference Report Oct. 2002

So whether we are rescued in the fire or following it, we feel the Lord's saving presence and power in our lives. How is He with us in our "fiery trials?"

Annalisa - He helps me as much as I come to Him. If I put all my faith in Him, He comforts me and blesses me with hope.

Connor - I would just say that His teachings are with me. The Holy Ghost is with me, and I know His angels are with me when I go through trials.

Tyler R. - He stays with me whenever I'm doing something that's hard for me.

Brendon - The Lord has been awesome: every time I've gotten myself into a really difficult situation, and I give myself up to Him to make things right, He always comes through somehow.

Bethany - He's made sure I'm able to withstand whatever it is. He's helped me learn from whatever it is I've messed up on.

Ryan R. - He gives you his spirit. He makes it so you never have to face a trial you can't handle. He gives you help in the form of friends or family in the very moment you need them.

Erik - He prompts you with what to do and maybe what to say during that specific trial. He also will make you stronger in the belief that you can withstand that trial.

Ryan P. - The Lord is there with me during my fiery trials by ensuring that I never have to withstand heat that is greater than my strength to resist. He does not take away my trials, but He allows me to fortify my faith and conviction to the height of my potential.

Whether I am called upon to live for the Lord or die for Him, I know He lives for me! I know He died for me! My faith is fortified as I hear and see the faith of young Latter-day Christians who recognize the Redeemer's saving presence in their lives.

Studying and Learning by Faith

Michael taught his lesson on Ezekiel 37 last Monday, emphasizing the dual meaning of two passages in that chapter (i.e. dry bones coming back to life=resurrection and, also the return of spiritual life & blessings to the House of Israel AND Sticks of Joseph and Judah coming together=the reuniting or gathering of Israel and Judah in addition to the Book of Mormon and Bible coming together to testify of Christ).

Because of our recent emphasis on student teaching, we have also explored our dual roles as teachers and learners in our gospel study. Read a few responses to part of my "Student Teaching Survey":

1. What is something significant you learned while another student was acting as a teacher?
Chad: [Deanna’s] lesson about striving to not be ripe in iniquity really inspired me to never tempt the Lord.
Annie: The Spirit allows us to understand what the lesson is about.
Deanna: Some of the strongest points made were through the testimonies of the teachers.
Sam: I learned that I can still feel the Spirit when a student is teaching.
Annalisa: That being a good teacher takes time
2.What important lesson did you learn in the process of teaching?
Stephanie: I learned that a lot of work goes into preparing a Seminary lesson.
Erik: That it takes time
Ryan P: I learned that preparation is important.
Deanna: Preparation
Sara: That I should have prepared more
Tyler K: It is hard to teach. I give props for that.
Bethany: The kids in our class don’t want us to fail.
Michael: Scriptures have multiple meanings.
Annalisa: Being respectful to your teacher really helps the lesson go well.
3. How would your lesson be different if the Savior had been in the room? Pres. Monson? Your Bishop? Your parents? A non-LDS friend?
Stephanie: I probably would have been more organized and elaborate on things more than I did.
Erik: I would have prepared more and taught by the Spirit more.
Chad: Probably more sincere and I wouldn’t do anything to disrupt the Spirit.
Deanna: I probably would have tried to prepare better and made a better effort to try to involve Annie in that preparation.
Ryan R.: I would let the Savior/Pres. Monson/Bishop teach.
Sam: I would have prepared better.
Tyler K.: I would have tried to… teach with the Spirit.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: "Ultimately, the responsibility to learn by faith and apply spiritual truth rests upon each of us individually. This is an increasingly serious and important responsibility in the world in which we do now and will yet live. What, how, and when we learn is supported by - but is not dependent upon - an instructor; a method of presentation or a specific topic or lesson format."
Address to CES Religious Educators, Feb. 3, 2006

In response to Elder Bednar's statement the students offered the following insights:
Annalisa - I am learning by study and by faith when I try to have the Spirit teach me something rather than my teacher.
Erik - I am learning by study and by faith when I pay attention to the teacher's words and apply the lesson to myself. When I take the time to understand the specific principles we've talked about, I grow in faith.
Sara - I am learning by study and by faith when I come across ideas that interest me and that I know I will benefit from. It is easier to learn and study by faith when you know you will use that knowledge you've gained.
Tyler - I am learning by study and by faith when I apply what I learn in Seminary to my life's problems. I can learn more about myself and about the Savior when I listen to the messages that the scriptures give us.
Bethany - I am learning by study and by faith when I take initiative and motivate myself to delve into the questions I have to find my answers.
Chad - I am learning by study and by faith when I ignore distractions in Sunday School so I can better feel the Spirit from the teacher's lesson, and by attending optional meetings such as missionary prep class.
Ryan P. - I am learning by study and by faith when I don't let myself off the hook. I hold onto whatever I am learning because I know that it is true. The Spirit manifests itself unto those with a welcome heart and a willing soul.

I am grateful to spend my early morning hours with the willing souls and welcoming hearts that make up our class. We are continually learning from and teaching each other, aided by the Spirit. The Holy Ghost influences our prayers, our ponderings, our questions, and the answers we receive. He confirms our faith in the Savior and increases our gratitude for the Lord's patience, loving kindness, mercy and grace. How blessed we are to study and learn by faith!

Watchmen and Shepherds

This week all the lessons were taught by students. Friday's lesson, given by Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Palmer, focused on "watchmen" and "shepherds." (See Ezekiel 33&34) Prophets are the most prominent "watchmen," and the Lord is truly our Shepherd. But this week I witnessed these wonderful students as they watched out for eachother, warning and shepherding - modeling teaching patterns established by God and His prophets. Here are some highlights:

Erik and Tyler Kroff taught about the Restoration from "Preach My Gospel." Erik showed great dedication by responding to the invitation to attend the teachers' devotional at 6:20 a.m. The highlight of Monday's lesson? Erik and Tyler's simple, strong, sincere testimonies!

On Tuesday we had two short lessons. First Sara and Analisa taught us lesson 2 from "Preach My Gospel": the Plan of Salvation. They came in early with notes in hand. Clearly, they had given serious thought to their presentation. They involved the class through questions, reading scriptures, and even invited Erik to draw the Plan of Salvation on the chalkboard. They capped off their effort with the ever popular Seminary treat: donuts! (Feeding the sheep...)

Next, we heard from Bethany and Stephanie. This duo was also seriously prepared. Their lesson on "The Gospel of Jesus Christ" was filled with thoughtful analysis and application questions, as well as the sharing of personal experiences and feelings. Students were also involved in reading scriptures and quotes. It was wonderful to see the way Bethany and Stephanie worked together with mutual respect and sincerity as they spoke of the basic principles of Christ's gospel.

Tyler Robinson carried the torch for the threesome that taught on Wednesday. He came early and launched into his presentation on "The Commandments" cheerfully, even though his teaching partners were late. The good news is that they DID show up! Sam and Brandon participated in reminding us about the blessing of commandments. Tyler's inspired class activity had students drawing the Ten Commandments on the board.

The chalk board was a focal point during Chad and Connor's lesson on Thursday, introducing us to the prophet, Ezekiel. Chad (flying solo until Connor arrived)drew a fortress wall on the board and asked "What is the function of the wall?" He then drew a tower, with a watchman on lookout. He asked us what qualities we thought were important in a good watchman. The students answered, "Good eyes and a loud voice!" Both Chad and Connor bore fervent and sincere testimonies of our present-day watchman, President Thomas S. Monson and encouraged us to listen to and follow his counsel.

Annie had a case of "stage fright" so Deanna handled her assignment alone. She handled it beautifully! Two pieces of fruit (one, perfect and another, over-ripe) helped her lead a discussion on what it meant to be "ripe in iniquity." Deanna involved students with readings from the scriptures, quotes by general authorities and several thought provoking questions. Her personal witness and testimony of the gospel was humble yet powerful!

Ryan Reynolds arrived early on Friday for the teachers' devotional - another extra-dedicated watchman/shepherd! He and Ryan Palmer were well prepared, and involved the students with lots of discussion questions. Palmer's shepherd illustration on the board was both humorous and instructive, as well as his use of the nursery cut outs. The sheep were surrounded by predators such as a snake, leopards or jaguars, pandas, alligators, and a poisonous (?!?) butterfly. Students identified these predators, respectively, as Satan, media, communism, "spiritual crocodiles," and pornography (it looks appealing but it will kill you).

The Ryans opened their lesson by asking students to write in their journals the answer to this question: "Why is adultery more serious than stealing, and murder more serious than adultery?" Chad's answer took us on an interesting tangent: "Stealing involves temporal, less important things. Adultery is involving spritual children of our Heavenly Father. It is a more sacred rule to break. Murder is an unforgivable sin that cuts short someones earthly progression." This comment about murder sparked a debate about whether one can be forgiven of murder. Most students felt murder could be forgiven, but that it would have a definite negative affect on our opportunity for exaltation. ("No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15) From Elder Bruce R. McConkie we get the following: "Murderers are forgiven eventually but only in the sense that all sins are forgiven except the sin against the Holy Ghost; they are not forgiven in the sense that celestial salvation is made available to them." (Matt. 12:31-32) See "Mormon Doctrine," p. 520.

One more student teaching team remains for next week: Michael and Brendon. I look forward to their watchful words of warning and to their efforts to keep me, and their fellow students, safely in the Lord's fold.

Tears and Cheers

The book of Lamentations, generally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, is filled with vivid images of sorrow and destruction. These five short chapters contain "a world of hurt." But they also contain hope! (See Lamentations 3:22-26) After our discussion today, the students completed the following sentences: "I am sad when..." and "I delight in..." Some responses are deeper than others, but each is an affirmation that "opposition in all things" is a part of our mortal experience, and that familiarity with sadness makes it easier to delight in what is good. The same Savior who lamented Jerusalem's reluctance to gather to Him (Matthew 23:37)wept tears of joy over the faithfulness of the Nephites (3 Nephi 17:20-22). You may recognize, as I did, that a number of these students are saddened by some of the same things that sadden the Lord, or delighted by those things that please Him.

I’m sad when bad things happen to me or people I care about.
I delight in doing what I love: singing – music in general.
TYLER ROBINSON


I am sad when there is contention in my family. I’m sad when I see others suffering because of decisions they’ve made.
I delight in good jokes. I delight in art and music. I delight in people helping others.
DEANNA NEWELL












I am sad when I get in fights with people.
I delight in laughing.
SARA EGGERS












I’m sad when:
-people are mean.
-I make bad decisions.
I delight in:
-Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost.
-my family.
ANNALISA HEYLEN












I’m sad when…
· there’s no more ice cream in the freezer.
· when I have to do school work instead of obtaining much needed sleep.
I’m happy when …
· I get to check off another day to when school gets out.
· I chill with my El Dorado friends, particularly from “Ione.”
CHAD SELLERS


I am sad when sad things happen.
I delight in delightful things in which are delightful.
SAM HOLDEN













I’m sad when people die.
I delight in happiness.
MICHAEL GETZ












I’m sad when…
…I have to go to school.
…people I love turn away from the Lord.
…I fail to remember to look to the Lord.
I delight in…
…laughter and friendship.
…the salvation of mankind.
RYAN PALMER


I’m sad when…
- friends don’t go to church.
- tithing is not paid.
- I forget to do church stuff.
I delight in …
- taking the Sacrament to old people.
- good things.
BRENDON CARPENTER









Silent on today's subject were:
ANNIE JACKSON


TYLER KROFF













STEPHANIE ALLRED












RYAN REYNOLDS


BETHANY MATHIS













ERIK LARSON












BRANDON MECHAM


CONNOR CARPENTER

The Prophet Jeremiah

The life and teachings of the prophet, Jeremiah, have given us a lot to think about this past week. During Thursday’s discussion of what we had learned so far, the following items popped out:

· Jeremiah’s calling: He was foreordained to be a prophet (see Jeremiah 1:5) and responded with humility to this calling (see Jeremiah 1:6-7).
· His prophetic warnings: Basically – continue in sin and await destruction OR repent and live! (References too numerous to list)
· True or false: There is a difference between true prophets and false prophets. Bethany remarked that false prophets are “more fun.” This prompted a lively debate!
· Fish stories (see Jeremiah 16:16): On Wednesday Alec Nethercott and Chris Barbour, recently returned missionaries from Norway and Spain, respectively, came to tell us their experiences as hunters and fishers of men. When students were asked to review their presentation, the overwhelming response was “AWESOME!” These two were/are humble hunters and faithful fishers!

After our discussion we all wrote a question relating to one of these topics. What follows is a sampling of those questions and some responses.

What is the difference between foreordination and pre-destination?Predestination means no matter what you do, the fate you suffer will be the same. Example: striving for perfection without the Atonement.
God knowing our personal nature does not keep us to a fixed outcome. We can change our human nature, as we live on earth, which changes our outcome but still means God knew that’s what we would have done.
God can read us like a book but the "denoument" (French for "conclusion") is controlled by the choices we make.
Chad Sellers

For what kind of callings could I be foreordained?
It depends on the type of person you are. You could be foreordained to be a prophet, or you could be foreordained to be a great father or mother.
Tyler Robinson

In a way, we all have a distinct purpose that may vary through different stages of our life. It is up to us whether we can prove to be a fine instrument in the hands of the Lord, and no instrument is less important than any other.
Ryan Palmer

That question is a little intimidating to me. As a woman I won’t be called to be a prophet, but even something that seems comparatively small, like a Young Women’s leader or president is a little worrisome. I know I’m barely adequate to fit the shoes I wear now. It’ll be hard to fill an even larger footprint later on.
Bethany Mathis

Why are true prophets better than false ones? (I think this question was prompted by Bethany’s tongue in cheek remark about false prophets being more fun…)
They help us to return to our Father in Heaven and they have a bigger perspective than we do, so they know what is best for us. They also communicate with God and speak for Him, whereas false prophets speak for themselves and do whatever is in their own best interests.
Ryan Reynolds

Why did Bethany think false prophets are more fun? (Bethany’s remark prompted yet another question…)
Because she was trying to be funny.
Brandon Mecham

How can I best be a fisher of men in the ocean of the Lord?
I can be a fisher of men in the Lord’s ocean by being a missionary at all times and by sharing the gospel with my non-member friends.
Stephanie Allred

-Be a good example. Just know that someone is always watching you.
-Speak kind words.
-Be friendly. Be there for people.
-Never go backward when you can carry on and go forward.
Erik Larson

I can be a fisher of men by not being afraid to talk to anyone about the gospel of Jesus Christ, by being open for every and all questions people have for me, and by being as educated as I can be about this gospel. By doing this I will be able to teach more people the words of the Lord and thus bring them into His fold.
Sara Eggers


I conclude with Brandon’s question. (It goes to show that sometimes, our questions are more important than our answers.)
Why was Jeremiah’s calling so important?
Jeremiah lived in a time of great wickedness, not unlike our own. His calling was vital in his day because he provided a warning voice – a call inviting people to forsake idolatry and return to the only true and living God (Jeremiah 3:12). He told the people not what they wanted to hear, but what they needed to hear!

True prophets call us to Christ! Having just returned from General Conference where we sustained our newly ordained prophet, Thomas S. Monson,(pictured at left) I can testify that he is truly God’s mouthpiece on the earth today. How thankful I am for the warning voices of both ancient and modern prophets. From their lips spring messages of mercy and calls of compassion.
Kathy Wood