Gospel Principles
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Gospel Principles They shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved. 1 Nephi 15:14 Gospel Principles Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah Your comments and suggestions about this book would be appreciated. Please submit them to Curriculum Development, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-0024. E-mail: [email protected]. Please list your name, address, ward, and stake. Be sure to give the title of the book. Then offer your comments and suggestions about the book’s strengths and areas of potential improvement. © 1978, 2009 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America English approval: 5/07 Contents Introduction . 1 Chapter 1 Our Heavenly Father . 5 Chapter 2 Our Heavenly Family . 9 Chapter 3 Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior . .13 Chapter 4 Freedom to Choose . .17 Chapter 5 The Creation . .23 Chapter 6 The Fall of Adam and Eve . .27 Chapter 7 The Holy Ghost . .31 Chapter 8 Praying to Our Heavenly Father . .35 Chapter 9 Prophets of God . .39 Chapter 10 Scriptures . 45 Chapter 11 The Life of Christ . 51 Chapter 12 The Atonement . 59 Chapter 13 The Priesthood . 67 Chapter 14 Priesthood Organization . .73 Chapter 15 The Lord’s Covenant People . .81 Chapter 16 The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times . .87 Chapter 17 The Church of Jesus Christ Today . .95 Chapter 18 Faith in Jesus Christ . 101. Chapter 19 Repentance . 107. Chapter 20 Baptism . 115. Chapter 21 The Gift of the Holy Ghost . 121. Chapter 22 The Gifts of the Spirit . 125. Chapter 23 The Sacrament . 133. Chapter 24 The Sabbath Day . 139. Chapter 25 Fasting . 145. Chapter 26 Sacrifice . 149. Chapter 27 Work and Personal Responsibility . 155. Chapter 28 Service . 161. Chapter 29 The Lord’s Law of Health . 167. Chapter 30 Charity . 173. Chapter 31 Honesty . 179. Chapter 32 Tithes and Offerings . 185. Chapter 33 Missionary Work . 189. Chapter 34 Developing Our Talents . 197. Chapter 35 Obedience . 201. Chapter 36 The Family Can Be Eternal . 207. Chapter 37 Family Responsibilities . 213. Chapter 38 Eternal Marriage . 219. Chapter 39 The Law of Chastity . 225. Chapter 40 Temple Work and Family History . 233. Chapter 41 The Postmortal Spirit World . 241. Chapter 42 The Gathering of the House of Israel . 245. Chapter 43 Signs of the Second Coming . 251. Chapter 44 The Second Coming of Jesus Christ . 257. Chapter 45 The Millennium . 263. Chapter 46 The Final Judgment . 269. Chapter 47 Exaltation . 275. List of Visuals . 281. Index . 283. Introduction A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual . As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel . You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family chal- lenges with faith . Instructions for Teaching at Church and at Home Being a teacher is a great responsibility that includes many oppor- tunities to strengthen others and see that they are “nourished by the good word of God” (Moroni 6:4) . You will teach effectively as you follow these principles: • Love those you teach. • Teach by the Spirit. • Teach the doctrine. • Invite diligent learning. Love Those You Teach When you show love for those you teach, they become more recep- tive to the Spirit of the Lord . They become more enthusiastic about learning and more open to you and to others . Strive to become acquainted with those you teach, and let them know that you genu- inely care about them . Be sensitive to the challenges of those with special needs . Create a comfortable environment in your class so that participants feel free to call upon you for help with any questions they have about the principles of the gospel and how to apply them . 1 The Lord’s Spirit will be present when love and unity exist . The Lord said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” ( John 13:34) . For more on this subject, see Teaching, No Greater Call, pages 31–39 . Teach by the Spirit The most important things you will ever teach are the doctrines of Christ as revealed through the scriptures and modern prophets and as confirmed by the Holy Ghost . To do this effectively, you must obtain the Spirit of the Lord . “The Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith,” said the Lord, “and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach” (D&C 42:14; see also D&C 50:13–22) . The Holy Ghost is the real teacher, so it is important to create an environment in which the Lord’s Spirit can be present . For more on this subject, see Teaching, No Greater Call, pages 41–48 . Teach the Doctrine Before you teach from a chapter, study it thoroughly to be sure you understand the doctrine . Also study the additional scriptures listed at the end of the chapter . You will teach with greater sincerity and power when the teachings in the chapter have influenced you per- sonally . Never speculate about Church doctrine . Teach only what is supported by the scriptures, the words of latter-day prophets and apostles, and the Holy Spirit (see D&C 42:12–14; 52:9) . If you have been called to teach a quorum or class using this book, do not substitute outside materials, however interesting they may be . Stay true to the scriptures and the words in the book . As appro- priate, use personal experiences and articles from Church maga- zines to supplement the lessons . For more on this subject, see Teaching, No Greater Call, pages 50–59 . Invite Diligent Learning As you teach, help others see how gospel principles apply to daily living . Encourage discussions on how these principles can affect 2 our feelings about God, ourselves, our families, and our neighbors . Encourage participants to live according to the principles . Try to involve as many people as possible in the lessons . You can do this by inviting them to read aloud, answer questions, or share experiences, but do so only when you are sure it will not embarrass them . You may want to make special assignments to participants while preparing the lessons . Be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others . You may need to talk privately with individuals before a lesson and ask how they feel about participating . For more on this subject, see Teaching, No Greater Call, pages 61–74 . Additional Help for Teachers Each chapter in this book contains one or two notes for teachers . These notes include ideas that can help you in your efforts to love those you teach, teach by the Spirit, teach the doctrine, and invite diligent learning among those you teach . 3 Our Heavenly Father Chapter 1 There Is a God • What are some things that testify to you that there is a God? Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, wrote, “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Alma 30:44) . We can look up at the sky at night and have an idea of what Alma meant . There are millions of stars and planets, all in perfect order . They did not get there by chance . We can see the work of God in the heavens and on the earth . The many beautiful plants, the many kinds of animals, the mountains, the rivers, the clouds that bring us rain and snow—all these testify to us that there is a God . The prophets have taught us that God is the Almighty Ruler of the universe . God dwells in heaven (see D&C 20:17) . Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He created the heavens and the earth and all things that are in them (see 3 Nephi 9:15; Moses 2:1) . He made the moon, the stars, and the sun . He organized this world and gave it form, motion, and life . He filled the air and the water with living things . He covered the hills and plains with all kinds of animal life . He gave us day and night, summer and winter, seedtime and harvest . He made man in His own image to be a ruler over His other cre- ations (see Genesis 1:26–27) . God is the Supreme and Absolute Being in whom we believe and whom we worship . He is “the Great Parent of the universe,” and He “looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care For teachers: Use questions at the beginning of a section to start a discussion and send class members or family members to the text to find more information. Use questions at the end of a section to help class members or family members ponder and discuss the meaning of what they have read and apply it in their lives. 5 Chapter 1 and paternal regard” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 39) . The Nature of God • What are some of God’s attributes? Because we are made in His image (see Moses 2:26; 6:9), we know that our bodies are like His body .