WEEK # 50

YOUR OWN CHOICE

We have come to the end of our year long topic study.  It has been a blessing for me to study the gospel  in more depth.  My testimony of Christ has been strengthened.  I have gained greater insight into a number of basic gospel topics.  The blog will continue to be available.  I have been able to study the topics but not all in the depth I would have liked.  I think I could fill gospel study time for the next few years going back over the outlines we have posted.  Study and discuss a topic of your own choice this week. The following are a few suggestions of possible topics:

Conversion
Last Days
Leadership
The Second Coming
Teaching with the Spirit
Joy

You might begin by writing in the left column of a sheet of paper a topic you plan to study.

Then in the right column write down questions that will help you learn more about the topic.  Use the Topical Guide and the other resources listed in the study outlines to learn what the Lord and his prophets have said about the topic.

Merry Christmas!!

WEEK # 49

EXAMPLE

"How wonderful it would be for every holder of the priesthood if he knew that the Lord knew he could count on him because of the way he lived.  I'd like to say today that it is a tremendous responsibility for members of this Church to so live that others, seeing their good works, can be led to glorify the Lord's name."  ( N. Eldon Tanner,  "Remember Who You Are," Ensign, Nov. 1981, p. 78).

"All of us give our lives daily for what we believe is important.  Those with whom we associate are silently assessing us, our values and character traits." (J. Richard Clarke,  "Hold Up Your Light, "Ensign, May 1985, p.74).

Questions and Activities

• What does it mean to "let your light so shine before men" (Matthew 5:16)?
• What does Christ mean when he says,  "Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up" (3 Nephi 18:24)?
• In what ways does your example hold up Christ as the light to others?
• What is the example set by the following people in the scriptures:  Jeroboam, the scribes and pharisees, Laman and Lemuel, Nephi, the sons of Mosiah, and Christ?
• What has the Lord said about those who set a bad example?  about those who do good works to be seen by others?
• What qualities do you expect to find in a representative of the Lord?
• Think of people who are examples to you and the ways in which they have influenced you.  Record your thoughts in your journal.
• In what ways has your example to your family and friends, affected their testimony of the gospel?

Topical Guide
Ensign
Example, Ensample
God, the Standard of Righteousness
Good Works
Jesus Christ, Exemplar
Jesus Christ, Light of the World
Leader
Pattern
Peculiar People
Peer Influence

Scriptures

2 Nephi 31:5-10

Jacob 2:35

Alma 4:11; 39:11

3 Nephi 18:1-9

D&C 115:5

Isaiah 62:1-3

Matthew 5:13-16; 6:1-8; 23:1-12

2 Thessalonians 3:7-11

1 Peter 2:21-25

Bible Dictionary

Peculiar

Other Sources

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder,  chapter 27-28

WEEK  # 48

THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH

"We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object"  (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 160).

"As important as it is to have this vision in mind, defining and describing Zion will not bring it about.  That can only be done through consistent and concerted daily effort by every single member of the Church.  No matter what the cost in toil or sacrifice, we must do it. . . .

"May I suggest three fundamental things we must do if we are to bring about Zion, three things for which we who labor for Zion must commit ourselves.

"First, we must eliminate the individual tendency to selfishness that snares the soul, shrinks the heart, and darkens the mind. . . .

'Second, we must cooperate completely and work in harmony one with the other.  There must be unanimity in our decisions and unity in our actions. . . .

"Third, we must lay on the altar and sacrifice whatever is required by the Lord"  (Spencer W. Kimball, "Becoming Pure in Heart," Ensign,  May 1978, p. 79).

Questions and Activities

• What are the characteristics of Zion?
• What promises are found in the scriptures about the establishment of Zion in the latter days?
• What does the Lord mean when he says,  "The kingdom of God is within you."  (Luke 17:21)?
• What changes would have to occur in today's society in order for it to become like Zion?
• What is the role of the Church in establishing Zion?
• How can you assist in building Zion?
• What personal qualities do you have that qualify you to be a part of Zion?
• What qualities do you still need to develop?
• What will you do this week to build Zion in your heart?

Topical Guide

Earth, Renewal of

Jerusalem, New

Jesus Christ, Millennial Reign

Kingdom of God, on Earth

Millennium

Millennium, Preparing a People for

Promised Lands

Stake 

Zion, Sion

Scriptures

2 Nephi 8:11

Ether 13:2-11

D&C 45:63-75;  57:1-5;  64:33-43;  97

Isaiah 11

Matthew 13:18-50

Moses 7:17-23

Articles of Faith 1:10

Bible Dictionary

Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God

Zion

Other Sources

Gospel Principles, chapter 44

The Articles of Faith, chapter 19

Jesus the Christ, chapter 42