Monday, March 22, 2010

Family Home Evening Lesson # 55: STANDING FOR SOMETHING--FAITH

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "Lead Kindly Light" Hymns pg. 97

3. Read Ether 12:6  And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

4. Read and discuss the following from Gordon B. Hinckley:

Great buildings were never constructed on uncertain foundations. Great causes were never brought to success by vacillating leaders. The gospel was never expounded to the convincing of others without certainty. Faith, which is of the very essence of personal conviction, has always been, and always must be, at the root of religious practice and endeavor.

It is that kind of certitude that has moved this church forward in the face of persecution, ridicule, sacrifice of fortune, the leaving of loved ones to travel to distant lands to carry the gospel message. That conviction motivates today as it has done from the beginning of this work. Faith in the hearts of millions that this cause is true, that God is our Eternal Father, and that Jesus is the Christ must ever be the great motivating force in our lives.

5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: My Faith in Christ Can Grow (FHE Resource Book, Lesson 11)
The Infinite Power of Hope (Ensign, Nov. 2008)
 The Faith to Move Mountains (Ensign, Nov. 2006)

Monday, March 8, 2010

Family Home Evening Lesson # 55: GOD SPEAKS THROUGH PROPHETS

1. Opening Prayer

2. Sing "Follow the Prophet" Children's Songbook pg. 110

3. Read Luke 1:70  As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began.

4. Read and discuss the following from the Friend:

Pretend that it’s a beautiful summer evening and you have been playing outside with your brothers and sisters. Now imagine that your mom calls to you and asks you to tell them to come in for dinner. You are speaking for your mom, delivering a message for her to your family. Will they listen?

Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has chosen certain men to speak for Him. These men are called prophets. They teach us what Heavenly Father wants us to know. They warn us about what will happen if we disobey. They also tell us about the wonderful blessings that will come when we do obey. Will we listen?

The scriptures tell us about the prophets who were called by Father in Heaven to speak for Him. Noah was asked by the Lord to warn the people that if they didn’t repent, a terrible flood would come and cover the earth. Noah’s family were the only ones who listened, and they were saved from the flood (
see Gen. 6–8; 2 Pet. 2:5).

The prophet Lehi was shown that the Messiah (Jesus Christ) would come and be the Savior of the world. Lehi’s son Nephi prayed to know if the words of his father were true. The Lord visited Nephi, and he believed all the words of his father. Later, Nephi also spoke for the Lord (see 1 Ne. 1:18–19;
1 Ne. 2:16–18).

As a young boy, Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray to Father in Heaven and ask which church he should join. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him and gave him instructions that opened the way for the restoration of the gospel in our day (see JS—H 1:11–20).

When we pray to Heavenly Father as Nephi did, we can know that the words of the prophets are true. Prophets are men who “walk with God” (see Gen. 6:9). They keep His commandments and are obedient to the things He tells them to do. When we hear the prophet, we will know that he speaks to us for the Savior.
5. Closing Prayer

Additional Resources: God Speaks Through Prophets (Friend, Mar. 2010)
Building the Ark (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
Lehi Prophesying to the People of Jerusalem (Gospel Art Picture Kit)
The First Vision (Gospel Art Picture Kit)