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Friday, June 13, 2014

The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood



Taught by Jeanine M. 
Relief Society general president Linda K. Burton said, “We hope to instill within each of us a greater desire to better understand the priesthood.”

Let’s define a few terms:

Priesthood Keys: “(it is) the authority God has given to priesthood holders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth. Every act or ordinance performed in the Church is done under the direct or indirect authorization of one holding the keys for that function.”  -  Elder Dallin H. Oaks  

Priesthood Authority:  This is given to given to both men and women under the direction of those who hold the keys. 
Men who are ordained and receive authority from those who hold the keys can perform the necessary saving ordinances.  In the temple, women have also been authorized “ to do certain things in the Church that are binding and absolutely necessary for our salvation,” (President Joseph Fielding Smith). All who have been given responsibility from those who hold the keys can function with Priesthood authority.

“We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Priesthood PowerBoth men and women are endowed with the same priesthood power.  The roles in which this power are used are different but equal.


Just as three teaspoons are equal to a tablespoon, men and women measure equal in the sight of the Lord.  Our responsibilities however are very different.  Consider the Garden of Eden.  Eve’s role was to open the way for spirits to come to earth.  She literally ‘saved us’ and started us on the path to eternal life.  Adam’s role is to ‘save us’ by administering in the ‘saving ordinances’ necessary to return back to our Heaven Father. We need each other to be exalted.

Blessings of the Priesthood: “When men and women go to the temple, they are both endowed with the same power, which is priesthood power. … Access to the power and the blessings of the priesthood is available to all of God’s children.”  Elder Ballard


Putting it all together:  Paraphrasing Sister Dew: If a woman desires to go to the temple, she receives authorization from both her Bishop and the Stake President, both of whom have priesthood keys. She then receives priesthood ordinances from those who have authority to administer them (both men and women).  Having received these ordinances, she has direct access to priesthood power for her own life and responsibilities.  As she continues on the path of personal worthiness, this power blesses her life and those she is responsible for.


Monday, June 9, 2014

Chapter 10 - Our Search for Truth


Taught by Heidi H.

President Joseph Fielding Smith talks about how we, as Latter Day Saints, should always seek out learning and growth.  Educational, vocational, and secular knowledge are all important, but the most important knowledge we must obtain in our lives is gospel knowledge. Most importantly knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, and Savior of the world.  In order to obtain that ultimate knowledge we must first search the scriptures. They were written for us in these latter days by prophets of old. President Smith teaches that we need to learn what Gods commandments are because we cannot follow them if we do not know what they are. We do this by studying the scriptures.

Beyond study we must learn the truth of the scriptures through the Holy Ghost. We do this by treasuring up the word, which means you not only read and study, but seek in humility and obedience to do the commandments given, and gain inspiration that only the Holy Ghost can provide.
 
We also search for truth by following the council of the prophets. In D & C 1:38 it reads, "whether he speak by his own voice or through the voice of his servants, it is the same." We are under a great responsibility and obligation to follow the words of the one who stands at the head to teach us all. There we can find the message of truth.

Once we know the truth and have committed ourselves to learn the truths of the gospel we must put our lives in harmony with that truth. As we do that the Lord will continue to increase what we know and his light will increase inside of us. We will understand more and the spirit of discernment will be our gift. Those who are deceived by man and believe false information lose their light to distinguish between false and true knowledge. We must fight against all of the very accessible false doctrines in the world today and stay close to the spirit so we can keep or knowledge of the truth. 

As we endure into eternity. In D&C 50:24 it reads, "That which is of God is light, and he that receiveth light and continueth in God recieveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Our life long search for truth will take us into eternity with our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.



Monday, June 2, 2014

Monthly Calendar - June 2014

                 

June 10th:         Special RS Program "The Errand of Angels"
                            Meet at the Church at 6:45 PM to carpool to the Church History                                                Museum. 

July 10th:          Feminine Hygiene Kits
                             7 PM

August 8-9th:   RS Encampment, Terry's Cabin

Ongoing Activities-

Wednesdays:    Neighborhood Play Group*  
                            9 AM at Centerville Community Park. Call Shannon Page at 801-295-5962                              for more information.

         Pinterest Craft Group*
                          Is on break for the summer. We will resume again in September.
                          Call Sydney Garner if you would like information @801-597-0431
                               
 *Activities that are neighborhood special interest groups.