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NOTE
A quick heads up before we dig into Moroni 1-6. This lesson is going to be a little shorter this week for a number of reasons. One, we covered what I feel to be the main idea of Moroni chapter 1 back in Mormon 7-9. You might recall that we studied the principle of standing alone rather than denying our faith. Courage over companionship as Moroni firmly declares, I Moroni will not deny the Christ. And back in 3rd Nephi we did a whole lesson on making the ordinance of the sacrament more meaningful and we examined the sacramental prayers in depth and that’s what we find in Moroni chapters 4 and 5. Then, the remaining chapters, 2, 3, and 6 are all pretty short. I mean, these are among the shortest chapters in the entire Book of Mormon and they’re all clustered together here. So, forgive me for the abbreviated video. It’s just one of those rare weeks when there is not as much to cover. In fact, I do kind of wonder why they didn’t lump Moroni 7 in with this week to give us a little more to work with. But no matter, I mean, usually I’m complaining that there’s too much to cover in a week, so I think I’ll just be grateful that we can really go deep into the material that we do have. And with that said, let’s do it. Let’s get started.
LESSON #1 ADDED UNDERSTANDING
OBJECT
For an object lesson. I would see if it were possible to bring in a bowl of vanilla ice cream and a variety of different ice cream toppings. Sprinkles, Oreo cookie crumbs, chocolate syrup, nuts, banana slices, whatever. And this idea may not work for you if you don’t have access to a freezer, and in that case, you could just display a picture, but most church buildings do have a kitchen in them with a freezer and perhaps you could keep the ice cream in there until it’s time to teach.
ICEBREAKER
But as an icebreaker, bring in the bowl of vanilla ice cream and ask, "Who likes ice cream?" I imagine that most people in your classes are going to raise their hands. And then you ask if there would be anything that they would add to the ice cream to make it even better? What are some of your favorite ice cream toppings? And then let them share. And there is a myriad of other options that you could add on to the already delicious ice cream.
Well, to me, that's the spirit of the Book of Moroni. Moroni is the bonus book of the Book of Mormon. The add on. The topping. The scriptural sprinkles. Because Moroni never intended to write it, initially. He basically says that in Moroni 1:1 and 4
1 Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished; and I make not myself known to the Lamanites lest they should destroy me.
4 Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.
Moroni signals to us there that he is going to give us a few additional things. And as a church, we're definitely grateful that he did. The book of Moroni is full of delicious and uplifting truths that add greatly to our understanding . Maybe that’s part of the reason the Lord extended his life so much longer—so that we could have these additional chapters of great worth. An appropriate cross reference to consider here? 2 Nephi 28:30:
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
And these first six chapters in particular, are quite varied and wide-ranging in scope and topic. It’s almost like a Church handbook of instructions where many different aspects of Church administration are covered one right after the other. So, in the spirit of adding a little more, some additional precepts, let's lend an ear to what Moroni has to offer us.
SEARCH
Since the chapters here are short, this is a great opportunity to allow your students some quiet study and pondering time on their own to seek what these chapters can add to their understanding. I like to provide them with the following handout. I invite them to choose two or three of the topics that they feel most interested in or that they feel they could use some help with. Moroni is going to add to their understanding of those principles and practices. Then I give them about 5- 10 minutes to study. Encourage them to deeply ponder the verses they study. To weigh every individual phrase and even word to discover meaning and insight that adds to their comprehension of the gospel. Challenge them to come up with at least ONE thing they learned. Then the rest of the class time can be dedicated to them sharing what Moroni has added, for THEM.
So here are the areas that they can choose from and the verses they should read to search for their additional insight.
Priesthood Blessings: Moroni 2, Moroni 3
Enduring to the End: Moroni 3:3
Baptismal/Sacramental Covenants: Moroni 4, 5, 6:1-3
The Holy Ghost: Moroni 6:4
Staying Active in the Church: Moroni 6:4
Church Meetings: Moroni 6:5,6,9
Repentance: Moroni 6:8
Those are some of the major topics that I see covered in these short chapters. Now that can set you up for a very open-ended discussion with your class. There are endless directions your students could take these verses, and that's wonderful. Still, I'd like to provide you with a few insights I see in these areas and perhaps they could help you to be better prepared to have a discussion with your students.
So the first area:
PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS
Moroni chapters 2 and 3 give instructions on how a number of church ordinances were performed in his day. Chapter 2 describes how the gift of the Holy Ghost was conferred, and chapter 3 how they ordained priests and teachers. And here, I see is a nice additional thought for fathers or priesthood holders here who find themselves presented with the opportunity of performing an ordinance. In both chapters, what did they do before they gave the Holy Ghost or performed the ordination? Take a look at Moroni 2:2, and Moroni 3:2.
In both instances, they prayed first. In chapter 2, they called upon the Father in mighty prayer, and THEN conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost. In chapter 3 it says that “AFTER they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them”.
That’s a nice suggestion from Moroni. It’s entirely appropriate and even encouraged to pray for guidance and inspiration before you give a blessing, before you perform an ordinance. I know that it’s a rather intimidating thought to speak on behalf of the Lord through a blessing. But we needn’t feel like the only time that we’re going to receive inspiration is during the actual blessing itself. Instruction and guidance can come before—as you ponder the situation, as you consider the person you are blessing, as you meditate on the needs and desires of the individual. If you know that you are going to be called on to bless or ordain someone, spend some time in prayer seeking for inspiration and guidance. That isn’t to say that you won’t get inspiration in the moment, and you should certainly be attuned to and open to receiving that guidance at the time of the blessing. The Lord said in Doctrine and Covenants 100:6, “For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.” But guidance can come prior to the blessing as well—when we are praying unto the Father beforehand.
One other thought. I know that the performing of ordinances and the giving of priesthood blessings is a duty carried out by the men of the church. But a prayer can be offered by any member. It would certainly be appropriate for the mother or wife of the person receiving the ordinance to offer a mighty prayer beforehand seeking for guidance and power in the blessing.
An additional thought. I find it interesting that Moroni uses the word “power” in verse 2. “After ye have done this (offered a mighty prayer) ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost.” We talk a lot about the importance of authority in the Church. And it IS deeply important. AofF #5: We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
But the word here is “power”. Could we separate those two terms a little. Yes, the person conferring or ordaining must have authority to do so, or the ordinance won’t be valid, but do they do it with power? Is it infused with meaning, sincerity, gratitude, and a profound connection with heaven. Perhaps that’s why we pray first. So that there can be “power” in the ordinance for both the person performing it, and the person receiving it.
Area #2
ENDURING TO THE END
There’s a phrase in Moroni 3:3 that stands out to me. It's an additional or a bonus insight on the meaning of enduring to the end. There’s a unique phrasing of that idea here. Already this year we’ve examined a number of different ways of interpreting the Lord’s command to “endure to the end”.
Does it mean to endure to the end of our trials and challenges in life? 2 Nephi 9:18 suggests that.
Does it mean to endure to the end of our mortal lives? 2 Nephi 33:9 suggests that.
Does it mean to endure to the end of our obedience, in always choosing the right? Alma 38:2 suggests that.
Does it mean to endure to the end of our commitment to our covenants? 2 Nephi 9:24 suggests that.
Or, as we talked about a few weeks ago in 3 Nephi 27:27, does it mean enduring to the end of His character, to the end of our personal spiritual development to be like Christ?
Which one of those is the correct interpretation of the phrase? All of them. It can have multiple interpretations. We need to endure in a lot of different ways in the gospel.
Well here is yet another way of looking at the command to endure to the end.
He says "to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. " What do you think that means? To preach repentance , by the endurance of faith on his name to the end? I don't claim to know exactly what he means there, but here's a thought. There seems to be a connection between repentance and enduring to the end. One of the ways I endure to the end is by continually repenting and relying on the atonement of the Savior. All throughout mortality, I'm going to need the mercy, the grace, and the forgiveness made possible by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged with ourselves. For those disciples of Christ that really care about being their best, who deeply want to be good, to do the right things, who are striving to be perfect, even as their Father in Heaven is perfect, frustration and dismay at our weaknesses, shortcomings, and flaws can be easy to slip into. We may sometimes feel like Nephi who said, "O wretched man that I man!” And that was Nephi! What does that say about us?! We may find ourselves getting frustrated at our constant need to repent. I can relate to these words of Michelangelo's who said: Despite thy promises, O Lord, t'would seem Too much to hope that even love like thine Can overlook my countless wanderings". (Selected Poems from Michelangelo Buonarroti, Sonnet LXXVII) And to that Christ says, "You need to endure to the end of your belief in a forgiving God". Sometimes it's easy to forget that we are in constant need of that forgiveness. I’ve heard my father sometimes express his desires to live a righteous life like this: I don't want to "forgiveness" my way into heaven. I want to "worthiness" my way into heaven. I think that's a good way of describing how many disciples of Christ feel. And to my father, and all those like him, I think God whispers, "You can't worthiness your way into my kingdom. You can only forgiveness your way. Nobody earns it. So endure in the hope of the forgiveness of your sins, and the perfecting of your imperfections, and the strengthening of your weaknesses, my grace is sufficient for you." I believe that's true. And that does require endurance. You've got to endure in your faith of the power of repentance and forgiveness. Don't get discouraged, don't despair. We must, as Moroni says in chapter 6:4 "rely alone upon the merits of Christ, who [is] the author and the finisher of [our] faith".
May we all "endure to the end" in that meaning of the phrase, as well as all the others.
Area #3
SACRAMENTAL AND BAPTISMAL COVENANTS
What about the sacrament prayers in chapters 4 and 5? These are the words from the scriptures that we probably hear more than any other, because they’re repeated to us almost every week, word for word. But when was the last time we really pondered and thought about the meaning of those words. I know we examined them back in 3 Nephi a month or two ago, but is there anything additional you get from them by pondering each word and phrase a little more deliberately? I like the word sanctify in the sacrament prayers. To sanctify something is to make it holy. Now we don’t believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation where the bread and water actually become the flesh and blood of Christ, but we do believe in a change. That’s not just bread and water after the blessing. It’s bread and water that has been sanctified. It has become holy in its meaning. We pray that the emblems of the sacrament will become, to us, as we partake of them, as holy as the things that they represent.
I like the repetition of the word “always” in the blessing on the bread. When we commit to “always” remember him, he promises that we will “always” have his Spirit to be with us. That’s a nice exchange in kind, isn’t it. Something else to consider. What if my commitment is something less than “always”. Is the promise of his Spirit accompanying me also diminished? Perhaps.
And then, I believe Moroni chapter 6:1-3 can offer us some insight into the sacrament. These verses speak of baptism, and we know that when we partake of the sacrament, we are renewing our baptismal covenants. We all know the specific three covenants of baptism that we are renewing when we partake of the sacrament because they’re part of the prayers. We promise to take upon ourselves his name, to always remember Him, and to keep his commandments. But there are other commitments we’re making when we get baptized, and therefore, also when we partake of the sacrament. It’s more than just those three. Mosiah 18 comes to mind. There we learn that when we are baptized, we are making a commitment to bear one another's burdens, to mourn with those that mourn, to comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things, and in all places. But then, to all those, we can ADD these commitments from Moroni 6. To come forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, to truly repent of our sins, and to have a determination to serve him to the end. Now that’s yet another way of looking at the meaning of "enduring to the end". We must endure to the end in service to God. That could be the service of obedience, Church service in callings and missionary or temple work, or the service we rend to others as King Benjamin taught us, that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are only in the service of our God. Perhaps understanding that could ADD to our sacrament experience. Maybe each week that we partake of the sacrament, we could focus on one of those particular commitments. Perhaps we need more of one that week than another. This week Lord, I need to focus more on standing as a witness. OR, this week I really need to increase my determination to serve him to the end. OR I feel my heart has been hardening a little, I need more of a broken heart. That way, the ordinance never need be routine or the same thing each week. Whatever focus we choose, there will be plenty for us to work on week after week.
Area #4
THE HOLY GHOST
From Moroni 6 verse 4, What do we learn about the Holy Ghost? We learn that those that were baptized were wrought upon and cleansed by the Holy Ghost. What's the additional thought there? I always thought it was the Atonement that cleansed me. But here the Holy Ghost is doing it. How does that work? Well, I feel it's a different kind of cleansing. The atonement and baptism, and sacrament cleanses me of my sin. It brings me back on to neutral ground with God. But the Holy Ghost lifts me higher. Perhaps we could call it the difference between justification and sanctification. The atonement of Christ justifies me, but the Holy Ghost sanctifies me and purifies me and lifts me to a holier state. This quote from Parley P. Pratt about the Holy Ghost really captures this idea well.
“The gift of the Holy Ghost...quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.”
― Parley P. Pratt
Boy, Parley P. Pratt could really write beautifully couldn't he. Do you see how that's a little bit of a different kind of cleansing? It's the kind of cleansing that lifts us above and beyond the average soul. It's ADDing to our purification, refining our tastes, and transforming us into beings a little more like God every day.
Area #5
STAYING "ACTIVE"
What does this verse ADD to our understanding of remaining "ACTIVE" in the church? Which is an interesting term. We don't want our commitment to stagnate, or plateau, or go inactive. We talk about active volcanos. Meaning they're doing something. Something's going on inside them. There is heat and energy and power being generated from them. We want to be active members. Not dormant. It's not enough to just be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is just the beginning of the strait and narrow path. It's the gate. Once we're baptized, we have to walk. And what's going to help us remain active? OR, another way of looking at it, what can we do to help our fellow members to remain active? We take their names so that they can be numbered and remembered. It's really hard to get lost in this church. Many have tried, few have succeeded. Even if you decide to stop coming to church, your name is probably still on somebody's list somewhere and they will at some point try to come and find you, whether you want them to or not. That's because we value the individual in the church. The members of the Church of Jesus Christ are not a nameless mass. We number them one by one, and we know their names, and there are programs and processes in place that help to prompt us to remember each other. Ministering assignments, class and quorum rolls, conferences, leadership meetings. Many things and opportunities that help us to remember each other. The temple is another place we see this dynamic. We believe so deeply in the value of each individual son or daughter of our heavenly parents, that we even devote hours of service to people who may have passed away centuries ago. People whose names have not been uttered or thought about or considered for ages. And we speak them out loud, with reverence, many times over, as we perform each individual ordinance for them. We number and remember them.
They need to be nourished. Nourished with what? With activities, and parties, and treats, and games? No. Nourished by the good word of God to KEEP THEM in the right way. The scriptures will nourish them and hold on to them. The words of the prophets will nourish them. Lessons and talks will nourish them. That's why we need sacrament talks, and Sunday School, and seminary, and institute, and General Conference. We need constant nourishment. My father once gave me some interesting advice. He said, "You know Ben, all the lessons we teach, the talks we give, the insights we explain. Nobody really remembers them much. Most of what we say will be forgotten within a week. Some things will stick. But a lot will fade. We're not necessarily changing their lives every time we teach, we're just moving them down the path a little further. Just getting them through today, or this week. Nourishing their spirits and their hearts for the time being. And next week, they'll need more nourishing. So we just keep sharing and teaching, and eventually, the weeks turn into months, the months into years and the years into a lifetime until they arrive at the promised land of their exaltation". To me that was a very humbling yet comforting thought. It's humbling to think that that great lesson or talk or insight you gave and worked so hard on is probably just going to be forgotten. But it's comforting to know that you've helped somebody a little further along the straight and narrow path. You gave them what they needed for that day. Trees need constant nourishing. Bodies need constant nourishing. Our spirits and testimonies need constant nourishing day by day. That's why we have so much teaching, and studying, and opportunities to learn in the church.
They need to stay continually watchful unto prayer. What does that phrase mean? I'm not sure. Watchful suggests vigilance and awareness. The parable of the ten virgins comes to mind where Jesus ends that story by saying, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 25:13) Are we aware of the signs of the times, and the need to have our lamps burning by taking the Holy Spirit for our guide, day by day, and year by year (Doctrine and Covenants 45:57). And does that watchfulness lead us to pray. It’s hard to forget something if it’s mentioned and focused on every day. Our daily prayers can keep us watchful.
And then, something I mentioned earlier, "relying alone on the merits of Christ, who was the author and finisher of their faith". A reminder that we will need to be patient with ourselves, our progress, our weaknesses and our sins. We will absolutely have to rely on the merits that HE authored, not the WE author, if we ever expect to finish our course. Again, an excellent lens through which to view the idea of enduring to the end. Jesus is the finisher of our faith. The merits of his sacrifice will bring us to the end of our path, which is hopefully exaltation. As it says in Doctrine and Covenants 76:69:
69 These are they who are just men made perfect (you could insert the word “finished” there as a synonym) through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.
Jesus finishes us by making us perfect through his perfect atonement.
Area #6
CHURCH MEETINGS
5-6, 9
What can we add to our understanding of church meetings here. We need to meet together oft. He says that in both five and six. During Covid restrictions, did you begin to miss the experience of “meeting together oft”? At first, you know, maybe we appreciated the change of pace. Worshipping and teaching within in the home are a good thing after all. Something we should do and are asked to do. But I hope that none of us ever concluded during that time that we didn’t really need church meetings. That we can just worship and be taught within our homes as families or individuals. Hopefully we don't forget that there is power that comes from fasting together, praying together, and speaking one with another concerning the welfare of our souls. There are certain things that we will miss if we only study as families or individuals. And to somebody that said, “You know, I don’t need to go to Church to be a good person, to study the gospel, to learn, to pray to my Father in Heaven.” And to that I might say, “You may be right, you may not need Church to do those things, but there are people in the Church that need you. Your knowledge, your gifts of the Spirit, your friendship, your service.” I don’t think it’s useful to go to church just asking what's in it for us, but asking what we can give to others. It's not always about our benefit, but how we can be a benefit to our fellowman.
Dallin H. Oaks said:
“Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, … to volunteer for an assignment. …
“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling” (quoted in “Unselfish Service,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 96).
I love that thought and that talk of President Oaks really changed the way I view church attendance. And certainly I believe that WE do get something out of ACTIVE church attendance. The blessings for us are real. We truly will miss out on great blessings if we seek to only worship as individuals or families.
From verse 9. How should our meetings be run? After the manner of the workings of the Spirit. We don’t want to become too formulaic or routine in our meetings, but open to the workings and the promptings of the Spirit. Maybe this verse could add to the effectiveness of our meetings. I'm sure all of you have been in a church meeting that wasn't very edifying or worthwhile. I like something that I heard my cousin Jared once say. He said that he always wants to be blessed BY a meeting, and not just FOR GOING to a meeting. We'll always be blessed for going to a church or leadership meeting. But how often can we say that we were blessed by the meeting itself. Hopefully we don’t just have a meeting because “We’re supposed to have a meeting,” but that our meetings are conducted after the manner of the workings of the Spirit and are full of preaching, exhorting, praying, supplicating, and singing, and not just planning, talking, administering, or shooting the breeze.
REPENTANCE
One final area. Repentance. I believe verse 8 adds three very important insights to our understanding of repentance. The most basic principle of repentance would read like this. If we repent, we will be forgiven. But this verse gives us more. I love the phrase "AS OFT" as they repent, they will be forgiven. Repentance and forgiveness are not a one-time deal . We’re all going to need a lot of forgiveness. And if there is a sin or a weakness or temptation that I really struggle with, I may not be able to change that aspect of my life cold turkey, and never struggle or fail in that thing again. If I think that "forsaking" a sin means that I never struggle with it again, and if I do, it's as if I never repented in the first place, I'm likely to get very discouraged with myself, and maybe even give up trying. Now, perhaps there are some serious sins that would fall into that category, that you just never do again, but often the things we struggle with may take us a long time and great effort to change. Christ is willing to forgive you as often as you come to him in the spirit of repentance. Jesus taught us that we need to be willing to forgive other people until seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22). And I don't believe that God would ever ask us to live a standard that He wasn't willing to live himself. I believe he offers us the same grace and frequent pardon. As often as we need his forgiveness, it will be there for us.
But balance that idea with the other two phrases I love in that verse. "Sought forgiveness" and "With real intent". The word "sought" suggests effort. This is not just a casual or flippant approach to forgiveness. It's something that I need to seek for diligently. And "with real intent" suggests sincerity. I truly wish to change. Lest any of us get too relaxed or passive in our repentance because of the "as oft" promise, we can offset that by remembering that forgiveness can only come when it is done "with real intent". Real intent to change. Real intent to forsake. Real intent to follow.
TAKING IT TO HEART
Well, today, there won’t be a TRUTH slide, because that’s going to depend on the individual insights and lessons learned as your class members studied and pondered the scriptures. But, I would invite my students to take at least one thing they learned that day either in their personal study or in the class discussion that they feel they should sink a little deeper into their lives. I would simply ask my students to select one of the things they learned today that they feel they need to ADD to their lives and to write a few short sentences on how they intend to do that. And I’d promise them that If they were willing to take that invitation to heart, with real intent, that I'm sure they would find that the vanilla ice cream of their lives will become more delicious and appetizing.
THE TAKEAWAY
I really hope that Moroni succeeded in ADDING to your understanding of some of these fundamental and basic aspects of worshipping within the Church of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to always study the scriptures, and attend your church meetings, and listen to the words of the prophets with the spirit of addition in mind. Remember, the Lord said that the way he likes to teach us is "Line upon line, and precept upon precept,” and that He likes to add to our understanding “little by little.” I hope that something has been added to your understanding during our time together today.
LESSON #2 “ORGANIZED” RELIGION
Now, I wanted to give you one more idea or approach to these chapters as a bonus here this time. Maybe what I’ve already shared doesn’t sound like it would be an effective means of covering these chapters in your particular situation or with your particular students. So here’s another way you could approach a lesson from these chapters, specifically focusing on chapter 6.
OBJECT
For an object I would bring in two ropes.
ICEBREAKER
And for an icebreaker I would give my students the following scenario. Let’s say you best friend has fallen into a raging river and is hanging on to a log for dear life. You know that the best way to help them would be to throw them a rope and pull them into safety. At this point, I would call two volunteers up to the front and I would give each of them one my ropes. One of the ropes, though, I would have tangled in all kinds of knots and twists. The other rope would be neatly coiled with one end clearly visible and easy to grab. And then I would stand on the other side of the class and ask them to rescue me. I’m in trouble, please throw me a line. Let’s see which of you can rescue me first. And of course, the student with coiled rope is going to be able to almost immediately throw you the line. The other person will probably struggle for some time just trying to find an end of the rope, let alone being able to throw it to you.
The moral of the story. Having things organized makes it easier to focus and get things done more effectively and efficiently. Chaos breeds stress, futility, and failure.
Well, you may have heard a lot of criticism in our current world of organized religion. And those voices are getting louder. The “I’m spiritual, but not religious” mantra is becoming more common and compelling, especially with young people. And yes, the gospel is far more important than the Church. I’ve heard the Church sometimes referred to as the scaffolding to the gospel, a means to a greater end, the immortality and eternal life of man. And it is possible to live the gospel without Church. Think of those who live in places in the world where they are not able to go to church for whatever reason, the church isn’t established there, it’s not allowed, or whatever. But there is a great benefit and blessing to be found in organized religion. Jesus organized a Church when he came to this earth, both in the old world and in the new. I think that suggest something about the idea of CHURCH. And of all the organized religions that I’m familiar with, few can match the order and the structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We take order and organization to another level. I’ve done a lot of traveling and attended church meetings in many various places throughout the world. And I’ll tell you, the same basic organization that exists in a church meeting in Utah, can be found in Brazil, Australia, Japan, and Nigeria. The same lessons will be taught, the same scriptures studied from, the same hymns will be sung, and the same organizational structure will be followed. It’s comforting and remarkable. There is power in organized religion. Well, Moroni chapter 6 teaches us some powerful principles of organized religion that I believe can bless and lift our discipleship. As I stated in the last lesson, Moroni is going to go through a number of different topics and procedures regarding (what we might refer to as ) the organized Church of Jesus Christ of Book of Mormon Saints, the church of his day, and we’ll find that those same principles and truths apply to our modern-day church organization and discipleship.
SEARCH-SECRET PHRASE HANDOUT
To help highlight some of those principles and truths, you could have your students do the following secret phrase activity. It highlights some of the phrases that I discussed in the previous lesson idea, so I’m not going to rehash those idea here. But, if you wished to approach the lesson this way, you could refer to those insights after they complete the handout. You can tell your students that each phrase that they complete here holds a key to getting more out of Church, to really fulfilling the purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ. So here are the answers.
And after they were baptized . . . they were ________________ among the people of the Church of Christ. NUMBERED
Their __________ were taken. NAMES
That they might be ______________ REMEMBERED
And _______________ by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way. NOURISHED
To keep them continually ________________ unto prayer. WATCHFUL
And the church did meet together ______. OFT
To speak one with another concerning the ______________ of their souls WELFARE
And they were strict to observe that there be no ______________ among them INIQUITY
But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were _____________. FORGIVEN
And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the __________. SPIRIT
For as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to ________, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to ______, even so it was done. PREACH SING
Then using the letters from the blanks that they fill in above, they will discover the secret phrase, which to me reveals one of the great blessings that will come to all of us if we organize and conduct our Church meetings according to those principles. What’s the phrase? It’s something that comes from Alma 23:6.
“And as many as believed . . . never did fall away.”
Isn’t that the blessing that we want for all? For our students, for our families, for ourselves. Disciples that never fall away. I believe that if we conduct our church callings, classes, meetings, and friendships according to what Moroni taught is in Moroni 6, that will be the outcome. Who wouldn’t want to come to a church that organized itself in that way.
VIDEO
A great little video that you might consider showing here is a Church video entitled “This is Church” which highlights some of the great blessings that stem from organized religion. Have your students watch the video looking for examples of how the Church blesses lives.
TRUTH
The Church is a wonderful and necessary part of my spiritual well-being and development.
TAKING IT TO HEART
What are some of the greatest blessings you’ve experienced from participating actively in the Church?
THE TAKEAWAY
And I’ll conclude by sharing my own answer to that question. I'm grateful for organized religion. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful men and women who have taught me and served me and led me and helped me all throughout my life. I'm grateful for all those primary teachers, young men's leaders, bishops, seminary teachers, Elders quorum presidencies, mission presidents, apostles and prophets who have brought light and faith and happiness into my life. I'm grateful for all the opportunities that I've been given to serve, and lead, and teach others. That has also brought me joy, and growth, and faith, and deeply enriched my life. I just really don't know where I would be without the order of THE CHURCH in my life. It’s just really a beautiful thing to think of all the time, and effort, and care that so many people put forth to bless each other’s lives. I watch my wife prepare lessons and activities for the young women in our ward. She really cares about them and wants to help them down the path of discipleship. After serving as bishop, I now realize how much time and concern and spiritual energy that is expended by our church leaders in helping and worrying about and taking care of the members of their flock. We are so fortunate to have this community of Saints to draw strength from and give strength to. Who knows, but if we do organize ourselves in this organized religion, we may just rescue somebody, and ourselves at the same time. That we may always remain ACTIVE in it, and never fall away is my prayer.
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