Week 6 ----> ALMOST midterms :)

Justine Sanders

10-25-11

FDREL 324

Kelly Anderson

Student Choice #1

(Week 6)

Choice #1 (section 30–40):

What counsel does God give to the gatherers on the gathering? Any insights into the who, what, where, when, how, and why of gathering that you notice in these sections, please explain below. You should have a minimum of ten references and explanations as well as a couple of questions that come from your study of these sections.

1. Who is gathered first? Focus. (29:7, 30:6, 28:8–9, 32:2)

“And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;” (29:7) As we read the Doctrine and Covenants, we realize that the “elect” are those who are chosen first and those who will be gathered first. What we really need to focus on is how to become an “elect.” “Be you afflicted in all his afflictions, ever lifting up your heart unto me in prayer and faith, for his and your deliverance; for I have given unto him power to build up my church among the Lamanites;” (30:6) These are very simple, yet monumental things that we need to do in order to one of the “elect”. We should be aware of our afflictions, looking up to our Heavenly Father – seeking his guidance. In doing this, we will be blessed. From 28:8-9 and 32:2 we learn that the most important thing we are able to do here on this earth is to preach the gospel, establish the church.

2. What are the harvest conditions of the world? (31:4, 33:4)

In Doctrine and Covenants 33:4, we learn that the “vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds.” The world is a very wicked place, it is our job to help and spread the gospel to all those who are willing to hear it – and especially to those who do not. I know that sometimes it can seem like a difficult task (which it is), but it is possible and the rewards are endless: “And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” (D&C 18:15).

“The field is white already to be burned” (31:4) With this statement I think of burning fields when I am home. When the farmer is ready to plant a new crop, he burns the old one. This helps with the new planting. If we look at this is the gospel point of view, there are many out there needing the gospel, it is our job to replant and restart the gospel in their hearts.

3. What time period in the harvest is the world? (33:3)

“For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard.” If we are to receive our blessings, we must work all through the eleventh hour. If we stop progressing in the middle of the day, think of all the work that doesn’t get done? (33:3, Matt 20:1-16)

4. Where will the elect be found? (33:6)

“The four quarters of the earth” (33:6). The elect will be found all over the world, this is a conformation to me, of just how much our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us.

5. What are the key attributes of successful gatherers? (38:8–12, 36:3, 31:3–4, 34: 10, 35: 23)

Starting in D&C 38, we learn we must be purified (vs. 8), prepared (vs. 9), and clean (v.10). In 36:3, it talks about raising your voice, praising God.

In D&C 31:3-4“Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation. You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.

Last but not least, it says, “Thou shalt preach my gospel and call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him.” (35:23)

If we are willing to preach the gospel, we will be provided the proven words of our prophets. We should not be scared to share the gospel with others, if we are keeping the commandments, we are always teaching those around us: by our thoughts, acts, words, and deeds.

6. What do we gather to? Why? (33:13)

“And upon this rock I will build my church; yea, upon this rock ye are built, and if ye continue, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.” (33:13) If we follow our Heavenly Fathers commandments, he will never leave us.

7. What are the teachings that gather? (34:6)

“To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.” By this scripture, I realize that we should be proud of what we believe in. If we are not believing in what we are teaching, then the spirit will not testify to the things we are teaching. The first step is to have a firm foundation in what we believe and what we know, then we can teach others to believe and know for themselves.

8. Who does God use to gather? (35:12–15, 36:5–7)

“I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;” (35:13) I take this scripture and realize that our prophets are just like us. At a time, they had the same struggles, hardships that we do this present day, although we may not believe it. This connection we have with the prophet, is the same (in a sense) that we have with our parents, some of our colleges, and many other people who we don't think we have an influence on. This is the connection that makes it easier for us to teach people of the same faith, as well as challenge ourselves to teach someone of a different faith. The Holy Ghost makes uses this connection to teach and to share the truth of the words.

9. Who directs the gathering? (35:25)

The Lord does, “in (his)mine own due time” (35:25) We should always remember that we are on the Lords time, and that the struggles that we go through are also part of his plan. As we do His will, we will be blessed.

10. Where does God want the saints to gather? (37:1–3)

In D&C 37:3 it says, “they should assemble together at the Ohio.”

11. What are some patterns and principles of gathering? (38:32–33)

In D&C 28: 32-33 it says, “Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high; And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand.”

Week 5.... :)

On to week 5! This week we studied in D&C 27-29. I am going to focus on section 29 and below is a little description of my assignment and some of my insights.

I would love any and all comments :)

Justine Sanders

10-18-11

FDREL 324

Kelly Anderson

Student Choice #4

(Week 5)

Three Truths About the Creation:

— D&C 29:31

— For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal—

— I think it is very important to remember that the Lord created all things. How can we have a testimony of everything the Lord is and does, if we do not first believe that he created all things? It is very important to have a testimony of his creation, so we may believe that the Lord and His son, even our Savior, Jesus Christ, do exist.

— D&C 29:32

— First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work—

— When creating the world and us, it is important to remember that we were spirits before we came to this world. This will always give us the assurance that we lived before we came here. Receiving a witness that we had a spirit before this world will validate more than we can even comprehend; it is essential.

— D&C 29:34

— Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

— When the Lord created the earth and everything in it, he saw a much greater purpose and meaning than we ever could. Until we have been in his position, a creator of worlds, we cannot begin to grasp everything he has done for us. Not only that, but also, His laws are His own and have a greater purpose.

Three Truths About the Fall:

— D&C 29:36

— And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;

— One thing that investigators learn is about the Fall of Adam and how we came to be here on the earth. It’s important for us to know that Adam and Eve were both tempted by the devil in the Garden of Eden, not just one or the other.

— D&C 29:40

— Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook of the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation.

— Adam was commanded not to partake of the forbidden fruit, but because of his agency, he chose to succumb to the temptations of the devil along with Eve. D&C 29:39 - “And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet.”

— D&C 29:41

— Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same death which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say: Depart, ye cursed.

— Since Adam and Even submitted themselves to the temptations of the devil, they were cast out of the garden and given the laws and ordinances needed in order for them, and their children, to return to the Lord.

Three Truths About the Atonement:

— D&C 29:1

— Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;

— As Latter-day Saints, we believe, that our Savior Jesus Christ atoned for our sins because of his mercy and desire for us to live with him again. Some have even received a witness for themselves as to who the Savior, Jesus Christ is, and have been able to enjoy the blessings of the atonement, even though Christ had to suffer for us, in Gethsemane so we could use the atonement in our lives.

— D&C 29:3

— Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.

— We are blessed with the opportunity to repent as much as is needed. But after we repent we need to remember that if we sin again and don’t try to change, then we will be in more trouble. It is like saying “sorry”. My parents would always say, “Sorry means you won’t do it again.” Obviously that is something that has stuck with me, and it is for a good reason. When we say sorry it means that we are trying to change, trying not to repeat a bad habit, trying to be better. If we continually sin, there is greater need for a change of heart, so that we can change and sin no more.

— D&C 29:17

— And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.

— Those who don’t repent will be cursed. If we won’t listen to the Lord, then He will not exercise His mercy in return. We need to be willing to give everything that we have to make a change and become a new, better person, only through His sanctification. We need to be willing to give Him everything, because He gave us everything and more.

What do those truths teach you (as a Latter-day Saint) about God’s love for us?

— Although I have had a glimpse into how much the Lord loves me and my family, and this church, it is hard to fully comprehend. He loves us SO much, we CANNOT, ever, fully comprehend. I think sometimes it is hard for people to realize that it is BECAUSE he loves us that he gives us restrictions, rules, and commandments, so that we may be protected and so that we can grow from our experiences. By obeying what the Lord has set in place for us, we’re not showing signs of weakness, but obedience and our willingness to serve Him who created us. God loves us so much, that is why He gave us these commandments; It’s not the other way around. When people complain and really struggle through trials, they may say that He gave us commandments because He dislikes or hates us. This is far from the truth, although sometimes it REALLY is hard. He LOVES us SO much. He is doing everything in his power to help us succeed in our journey here on earth so that we can return back to him. We just need to listen to his council.

Trudging Along... :)

On to week 4 and finding time to be fully committed to my Doctrine and Covenants class is kicking my trash. I really love the spirit that I feel when I get to share my testimony with others. This week we studied in D&C 20-26. I am going to focus on section 25 and below is a little description of my assignment and some of my insights.

I would love any and all comments :)

Justine Sanders

10-11-11

FDREL 324

Kelly Anderson

Student Choice #3

(Week 4)

Choice #3 (section 25):

• What are ten attributes of “an elect lady” that you observe in your reading of section 25?

1. Comfort husband in affliction (see v. 5 )

2. Expound scripture by the Spirit (see v. 7 )

3. Exhort the Church by the Spirit (see v. 7 )

4. Give time to writing and learning much (see v. 8 )

5. Be supported by husband in the Church (see v. 9 )

6. Lay aside things of the world (see v. 10 )

7. Seek for things of a better world (see v. 10 )

8. Select sacred hymns (see v. 11 ; see also Notes and Commentary on D&C 25:12 )

9. Lift up thy heart and rejoice (see v. 13 )

10. “Cleave unto the covenants” ( v. 13 )

11. “Continue in the spirit of meekness” ( v. 14 )

12. “Beware of pride” ( v. 14 )

13. “Let thy soul delight in thy husband and the glory which shall come upon him” ( v. 14 )

14. Keep the commandments continually (see v. 15 )

What do you know about Emma’s life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation?

Emma was a woman of great courage and strong will. Of her the Prophet’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, wrote: “I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done; for I know that which she has had to endure . . . she has breasted the storms of persecution, and buffeted the rage of men and devils, which would have borne down almost any other woman.” ( History of Joseph Smith, pp. 190–91.)

Emma had also received a call to serve as a companion and help to Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration. In this revelation she was also called as an elect lady. Later she received an additional responsibility when the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on 17 March 1842. The Prophet wrote: “I assisted in commencing the organization of ‘The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo’ in the Lodge Room. Sister Emma Smith, President, and Sister Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland, Counselors. I gave much instruction, read in the New Testament, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants, concerning the Elect Lady, and showed that the elect meant to be elected to a certain work, &c., and that the revelation was then fulfilled by Sister Emma’s election to the Presidency of the Society, she having previously been ordained to expound the Scriptures.” ( History of the Church, 4:552–53.)

• What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate?

All of them... Personally, I think a lot of women who are in the world right now, are of the world a lot more than they realize. Women of the world are often obsessed with appearance (for themselves, for their spouse, and for their children), money, material things, and work. It literally breaks my heart when women of the world would rather work than be a mom, when they don't like children, or when they don't want to give anything, they only want to receive.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, in his talk entitled, The Women of God, said of women and their importance in the Lord’s plan:

“We know so little, brothers and sisters, about the reasons for the division of duties between womanhood and manhood as well as between motherhood and priesthood. These were divinely determined in another time and another place. We are accustomed to focusing on the men of God because theirs is the priesthood and leadership line. But paralleling that authority line is a stream of righteous influence reflecting the remarkable women of God who have existed in all ages and dispensations, including our own. Greatness is not measured by coverage in column inches, either in newspapers or in the scriptures. The story of the women of God, therefore, is, for now, an untold drama within a drama.

“Just as certain men were foreordained from before the foundations of the world, so were certain women appointed to certain tasks. Divine design—not chance—brought Mary forward to be the mother of Jesus. The boy prophet, Joseph Smith, was blessed not only with a great father but also with a superb mother, Lucy Mack, who influenced a whole dispensation.

“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, while that of some men seems more labored. It is precisely because the daughters of Zion are so uncommon that the adversary will not leave them alone.

“So often our sisters comfort others when their own needs are greater than those being comforted. That quality is like the generosity of Jesus on the cross. Empathy during agony is a portion of divinity!

“When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this.

“No wonder the men of God support and sustain you sisters in your unique roles, for the act of deserting home in order to shape society is like thoughtlessly removing crucial fingers from an imperiled dike in order to teach people to swim.

“Finally, remember: When we return to our real home, it will be with the ‘mutual approbation’ of those who reign in the ‘royal courts on high.’ There we will find beauty such as mortal ‘eye hath not seen’; we will hear sounds of surpassing music which mortal ‘ear hath not heard.’ Could such a regal homecoming be possible without the anticipatory arrangements of a Heavenly Mother?” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1978, pp. 13–15; or Ensign, May 1978, pp. 10–11 .)

* In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world?

I think the women of the church have been raised to nurture and love and hold families together. There has never been a time in the world when the role of woman has been more confused. There has never been a time in the Church when women are able to do more to show what their true role in the world can and ought to be. The impact and influence of women and mothers on our world is most important. The thought that “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world” is more viable today than ever before.

How special it is for Latter-day Saint women to be given the lofty assignments they have been given by our Father in Heaven, especially those of you who have been privileged to be born in this part of this last dispensation. Let other women pursue heedlessly … their selfish interests. You can be a much needed force for love and truth and righteousness on this planet.

My dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world. … Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days. We love you sisters. We have confidence in you. We rejoice in your devotion. We are greatly heartened by your presence … in this portion of this dispensation wherein your talents and spiritual strength are so desperately needed.” (by Spencer W. Kimball, in his talk Women of the Church.”

Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie Beck’s message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk (see attachments).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell's Talk, The Women of God:

I shared a lot of my insights from his talk above, but something else that I did not share above, that I would like to share is this, “There are no separate paths back to that heavenly home. Just one straight and narrow way, at the end of which, though we arrive trailing tears, we shall at once be 'drenched in joy.'”

I also love how he said, “When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses? When the surf of the centuries has made the great pyramids so much sand, the everlasting family will still be standing, because it is a celestial institution, formed outside telestial time. The women of God know this.

No wonder the men of God support and sustain you sisters in your unique roles, for the act of deserting home in order to shape society is like thoughtlessly removing crucial fingers from an imperiled dike in order to teach people to swim.

We men love you for meeting inconsiderateness with consideration and selfishness with selflessness. We are touched by the eloquence of your example. We are deeply grateful for your enduring us as men when we are not at our best because—like God—you love us not only for what we are, but for what we have the power to become.

We have special admiration for the unsung but unsullied single women among whom are some of the noblest daughters of God. These sisters know that God loves them, individually and distinctly. They make wise career choices even though they cannot now have the most choice career. Though in their second estate they do not have their first desire, they still overcome the world. These sisters who cannot now enrich the institution of their own marriage so often enrich other institutions in society. They do not withhold their blessings simply because some blessings are now withheld from them. Their trust in God is like that of the wives who are childless, but not by choice, but who in the justice of God will receive special blessings one day.

I, along with my brethren of the priesthood, express undying gratitude to our eternal partners. We know that we can go no place that matters without you, nor would we have it otherwise. When we kneel to pray, we kneel together. When we kneel at the altar of the holy temple, we kneel together. When we approach the final gate where Jesus Himself is the gatekeeper, we will, if faithful, pass through that gate together.

The prophet who sits with us today could tell us of such togetherness, when at the time of his overwhelming apostolic calling he was consoled by his Camilla, who met his anguished, sobbing sense of inadequacy and, running her fingers through his hair, said, “You can do it, you can do it.” He surely has done it, but with her at his side.

Notice, brethren, how all the prophets treat their wives and honor women, and let us do likewise!”

It is so comforting to me to hear apostles speak so highly of women, especially when they usually are the ones who are belittled. When men stick up for their wives, support them in all that they do, hold the family together, and love their wives with all of their hearts, that is where the family begins to mesh and the two separate beings become one whole.

Sister Julie B. Beck's Talk, entitled, “Mothers Who Know”:

“In the Book of Mormon we read about 2,000 exemplary young men who were exceedingly valiant, courageous, and strong. “Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:21). These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, “Our mothers knew it” (Alma 56:48). I would suspect that the mothers of Captain Moroni, Mosiah, Mormon, and other great leaders also knew.

The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). 1 However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children.

The big seven things that “Mothers Who Know” do: Mothers Who Know Bear Children, Mothers Who Know Honor Sacred Ordinances and Covenants, Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers, Mothers Who Know Are Leaders, Mothers Who Know Are Teachers, Mothers Who Know Do Less, and Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable.”

I'm surviving.... Week 3

On to week 3 and the assignments are getting more difficult and time consuming :) I am really enjoying my class and I love sharing the gospel, and my testimony with others. This week we studied in D&C 14-19. Below is a little description of the option I chose to report on this week. I would love any and all insights :)

Justine Sanders

10-04-11

FDREL 324

Kelly Anderson

Student Choice #2

(Week 3)

Choice #2 (section 18:20):

What new insights do you receive from the following scriptures that helps you better understand what it means to “contend against … the church of the devil?”

D&C 18:20: I thought it was interesting that we should not contend against any church, unless it is of the devil and unless it draws us to doing things against the teachings of Christ. I think it is such a blessing and a duty, to share the gospel with everyone, especially those not of our faith. How amazing is it that the Holy Ghost can and will inspire us to know what to say, because those who are not of our faith, who we are teaching, are lost, and they need our help, the Holy Ghosts' guidance, and Christ and His gospel to come back.

1 Nephi 14:10: “Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.” This is pretty self explanatory. Whoever chooses the only true church upon the earth, is of the church of the Lamb of God, all others are not and they will never be.

1 Nephi 13:4–9: We read that following the promptings of the adversary and not doing what we know we should be doing draws down into a course that truly will bind and confine us. This reminds me of a lot of the talks that we heard in conference this weekend about how we live our lives, especially in accordance with our personal morality. This makes me think about the world and all of the addictive things it puts in our path: drugs, alcohol, violence, and sex. In our society, we are bombarded with temptations from Satan, at every turn. I know that be following and keeping the commandments we can save ourselves, our families, and those who are struggling from falling too far away from the path.

1 Nephi 22:23: “For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet.”

2 Nephi 28:18–19: “But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore of all the earth, must tumble to the earth, and great must be the fall thereof. For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and perish;” This is talking about the wicked and how Satan can wrap them, even with his flaxen chords, and lead them down, with his everlasting chains, to Hell.

What quote from a general authority of the Church helps you better explain this admonition?

First, I thought it was important to point this out: The “church of the devil” does not refer to a specific church but to any person, group, organization, or philosophy that works against the church of Jesus Christ and the salvation of the children of God. Truth and goodness can certainly be found outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the fulness of the gospel, which is only found in the restored Church, is essential for the salvation our Heavenly Father desires for His children. As President Joseph Fielding Smith said about Doctrine and Covenants 18:20 , “We must understand that this is instruction to us to contend against all evil, that which is opposed to righteousness and truth” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:83).

I also read, Hearken Unto the Voice of God by Bernard P. Brockbank, in which he said, “The Lord has commanded and warned man to obey and hearken unto his voice or to be subject to the power and dominion of the devil. The Lord said: “Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; That is a warning to all mankind. It is very important to know that Satan has power to deceive men and to blind men and to lead men captive at his will, even as many as will not hearken unto the voice of the Lord. Sin and evil come from Satan, and godliness and eternal life in the kingdom of God are from the Lord.” I really liked this quote, because he tells us how important it is to be aware of and fight against Satan. He may not have a lot to work with, but he sure knows how to push our buttons. I think it is so important that we take control of our lives, and are not blinded to Satans influence, and all of the lies he feeds us.

From everything I have read and gleaned from these talks and scriptures, I would say that we need not actually contend against any wrong church, but that we stick up for what we know is true and preach the only true and living gospel here on this earth. I think one of the most profound ways to teach someone is find out everything they believe/claim to know and build off of that. If you show them that you believe something that they believe, and that there is “more to the story” than they actually know, they are more willing to let the true gospel in and accept it, because it is not as far off from their original beliefs.