http://www.byub.org/scriptures/scripturediscussions/default.aspx?sid=705
Purpose
To encourage us to be receptive to the influence of the Holy Ghost and to draw nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Preparation
- 1.
Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
- a.
John 16:1–15. Jesus prepares his Apostles for the difficult times that will follow his crucifixion. He teaches them about the mission of the Holy Ghost and promises that they will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- b.
John 16:16–33. Jesus foretells his death and resurrection and counsels the Apostles to “be of good cheer.”
- c.
John 17. Jesus offers the great intercessory prayer for his Apostles and all others who believe in him.
- a.
- 2.
Additional reading: John 14:16–31; 15:18–27; 3 Nephi 19:19–36;Doctrine and Covenants 132:21–24; Bible Dictionary, “Comforter,” 648;“Holy Ghost,” 704.
"Lesson 24: “This Is Life Eternal”," New Testament Class Member Study Guide, (1997)
John 16–17
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What is the mission of the Holy Ghost? (See John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7–14.) How can we recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost? (SeeGalatians 5:22–23; D&C 6:15, 23; 11:13.) How has receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost helped you?
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Jesus said to his Apostles, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). How can the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world help us be of good cheer when we are faced with tribulation? Why is it important to be of good cheer?
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In his prayer, the Savior said, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). How is knowing Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ different from merely knowing about them? How can we come to know them?
Suggestion for Family Discussion
In a box, place a piece of paper labeled The Gift of the Holy Ghost. In a second box, place a piece of paper labeled Eternal Life. Wrap the boxes to look like gifts. Explain that in John 16–17, Jesus mentions two of the greatest gifts we can receive. Have a family member open the first box and read the piece of paper inside it. Read John 16:13, and explain that in this verse “the Spirit of truth” refers to the Holy Ghost. Have another family member open the second box and read the piece of paper inside it. Read John 17:1–3. Express your gratitude for the gift of the Holy Ghost and the opportunity to receive eternal life.
Scripture Chain: “Be One, Even As We Are One”
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From The Savior, the Sacrament, and Self-Worth
ReplyDeleteTruman G. Madsen
It is a truism among us that when we attend sacrament meeting we renew our covenants. And that is sobering enough. As President McKay said: "Who can measure the responsibility of such a covenant—how far-reaching, how comprehensive? [Listen to his list.] It excludes from our life profanity, vulgarity, idleness, enmity, jealousy, drunkenness, dishonesty, hatred, selfishness and every form of vice. It obligates us to sobriety, industry, kindness, to the performance of every duty of church and state, to respect our fellow men, to honor the priesthood, to pay tithes and offerings and to consecrate our lives to the service of humanity" (David O. McKay, Millennial Star 85:778).
No wonder we sometimes shrink. A little voice may say, "I'd rather not do that. I'm not sure I can carry it through." But this is the very nub of our stumbling block. Until we covenant, which is more than a casual New Year's Resolution, He cannot bless us to keep our covenants. Without exception, the Lord appends a divine blessing to every covenant we make, guarantees a response from on high, and gives a promise and blessing. In the church our duties expand into privileges, and our privileges expand into higher duties. The most inclusive attendant blessing of the sacrament is His Spirit. And His Spirit, like He, himself, is not sent into the world to condemn the world, but to lift us. He is not committed to putting us down. The gifts and the fruits of the Spirit engulf all our deepest needs, whatever our present desires: insight, flashes of guidance, energy, all the virtues that center in Christ, and through them, all the fire that purifies our feelings and our aspirations. Yes, we come to the sacrament to renew covenants but we also come to be renewed—to be renewed with a divine infusion and then we increase in our strength to honor our covenants with Him and with each other.
Why do we think we can do it alone? And why do we turn our back on Him when we need him most?