Lesson Recap for March 3rd

The lesson on 3-3-13 given by Nina Seibert was taken from a talk by David A Bednar "That We May Always Have His Spirit To Be With Us."

The first ordinance of the gospel is baptism.  It is to be done not just by immersion but must be followed by a baptism of the spirit.  In John 3:5 it reads "Jesus answered, verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."

Joseph Smith taught "You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost.  Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half- that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost.  We were baptized by immersion in water for the remission of sins.  We must also be baptized by and immersed in the Spirit of the Lord, and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost."

Elder Bednar describes the function of the Liahona from Alma 37.  It was given to Lehi and his family as a compass as they traveled and found their way through the wilderness.  He describes how it provided the "pointers" and operated "according to their faith and diligence and heed".  When the family members were "contentious, rude or slothful"  the Liahona failed to guide them.  The Holy Ghost works in the same way.

As we each press forward along the pathway of life, we receive direction from the Holy Ghost just as Lehi was directed through the Liahona. "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, It will show unto you all things what ye should do." 2Nephi 32:5

Elder Bednar says this regarding promptings.  "The standard is clear.  If something we think, see, hear or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing.  If that which is intended to entertain, for example alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us.  Because the Spirit cannot abide in that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us."

Nina closed with President Hinckley's testimony.  "May the Spirit of the Lord accompany us and remain with us.  We know not what lies ahead of us.  We know not what the coming days will bring.  We live in a world of uncertainty.  For some, there will be great accomplishment.  For others, disappointment.  For some, much rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living.  For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow.  We do not know.  But one thing we do know. 

Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives.  He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.  In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us."

Through the "sunshine and in shadow" let us look to the Holy Ghost as our compass to inspire and guide. 

Recap by Kris Eddington