Taking the Gospel to All the World
Lesson 8 - Howard W Hunter
“We are in the work of saving souls, of inviting people to come unto Christ.”
Doctrine:
The gospel of Jesus Christ, which gospel we teach and the ordinances of which we perform, is a global faith with an all-embracing message. It is neither confined nor partial nor subject to history or fashion. Its essence is universally and eternally true. Its message is for all the world, restored in these latter days to meet the fundamental needs of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people on the earth. It has been established again as it was in the beginning—to build brotherhood, to preserve truth, and to save souls. …
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we seek to bring all truth together. We seek to enlarge the circle of love and understanding among all the people of the earth. Thus we strive to establish peace and happiness, not only within Christianity but among all mankind.
Invitation to Action:
The Church, being the kingdom of God on earth, has a mission to all nations. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20). These words from the lips of the Master know no national boundaries; they are not limited to any race or culture. One nation is not favored above another. The admonition is clear—“teach all nations.” …
What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of [others].
A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others. For this reason the Lord gave an obligation to every member of the Church to be missionaries.
Listen to the covenant one takes upon oneself when baptized into the Church:
“As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life” (Mosiah 18:8–9).
We are to stand as witnesses of God at all times [and] in all places, even until death. We renew that covenant during the sacrament when we covenant to take the name of Christ upon us.
Missionary service is one important way we take upon ourselves his name. The Savior has said if we desire to take upon us his name, with full purpose of heart, we are called to go into all the world and preach his gospel to every creature (see D&C 18:28). …
Those of us who have partaken of the Atonement are under obligation to bear faithful testimony of our Lord and Savior. … The call to share the gospel with others represents our great love for our Heavenly Father’s children as well as for the Savior and what he did for us
Promised Blessings:
We have been privileged to be born in these last days, as opposed to some earlier dispensation, to help take the gospel to all the earth. There is no greater calling in this life. If we are content to hide behind self-made walls, we willingly forgo the blessings that are otherwise ours. The Lord in modern-day revelation explains the great need:
“For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul.” (D&C 4:4.)
The Lord goes on to explain in that same revelation the qualifications that we need to be good missionaries. Knowing full well of our weaknesses and of our reservations as we stand before the huge gate of our self-made wall, he reassures us that divine help to overcome all obstacles will be forthcoming if we will only do our part, with the simple promise: “Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (D&C 4:7.)
Read, study, or listen to the lesson here:
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-howard-w-hunter/chapter-8-taking-the-gospel-to-all-the-world?lang=eng
How Missionary Work Can Change Your Life:
“Our work will be light and easy to bear if we will depend on the Lord and work.
“Don’t worry about being successful. We are going to be successful—there is no doubt about it. The Lord has sent us to earth at the time of harvest. He does not expect us to fail. He has called no one to this work to fail. He expects us to succeed.” - President Ezra Taft Benson
Missionary Opportunities:
Lesson Schedule:
In 2016 we will be studying the teachings of President Howard W. Hunter
April 24th - Stake Conference
May 1st - Presidents Instruction
May 8th - Howard W. Hunter lesson 9
May 15th - Howard W. Hunter lesson 10
May 22nd - Teaching for Our Time
May 29th - Bishops Choice
The new manual can be found here:
https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-howard-w-hunter?lang=eng
May Relief Society Activity - “Who Am I - I Am A Woman"
“In our modern kingdom, it is no accident that women were, through the Relief Society, assigned compassionate service. So often the service of women seems instinctive. . . .So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted.” (Elder Neil A. Maxwell)
For our May 5th Relief Society Activity we will be working on a relief effort at the Family Crisis Center. We will meet on May 5that the Crisis Center from 7 - 8:30pm and will quilt, sort and organize donations for the women and children at the Women’s Shelter. We invite mothers to bring their daughters 12 years and older.
0“For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; Naked, and ye clothed me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Mathew 25:35-36
May Relief Society Activity - “Who Am I - I Am A Woman"
“In our modern kingdom, it is no accident that women were, through the Relief Society, assigned compassionate service. So often the service of women seems instinctive. . . .So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted.” (Elder Neil A. Maxwell)
For our May 5th Relief Society Activity we will be working on a relief effort at the Family Crisis Center. We will meet on May 5that the Crisis Center from 7 - 8:30pm and will quilt, sort and organize donations for the women and children at the Women’s Shelter. We invite mothers to bring their daughters 12 years and older.
0“For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; Naked, and ye clothed me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Mathew 25:35-36
