A good article by our own Ronnie Bray. From the article: The content of the First Discussion, ie, the first thing missionaries share with investigators is: Our Saviour Jesus Christ 1. Without the help of our Heavenly Father, we would not be able to receive any benefit from the plan of salvation. In mortal life each of us sins and does not achieve perfection. Our sins make us unworthy to return to our Heavenly Father. Additionally, each of us will die at the end of this mortal life. 2. God prepared a way to overcome sin and death so that we would be able to return to Him. The central figure in the plan of salvation is Jesus Christ. (Read and discuss John 3:16): For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It is wonderful to think of the great love for us of our Heavenly Father! John 3:16 is widely cited by many Protestant churches in teaching that all that is necessary for salvation is to acknowledge Christ and express belief. Many investigators understand the scripture in this light, and it may confuse some more than it helps. If missionaries choose to use this particular scripture, it is important to ensure that investigators understand this doctrine correctly, since many other passages in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible state that we must obey Gods commandments to receive salvation. Often one can avoid doctrinal hangups and lengthy explanations by using one of the scriptures in the Book of Mormon that speak even more powerfully and clearly of Gods love, but also cannot be perceived to trivialize the conditions of salvation. 3. Jesus fulfilled his part of the plan. Through his sacrifice and and resurrection, we can overcome the consequences of sin, and all people will live again after earthly death. Find out: Do the investigators understand that our sins do not allow us to return to God? What do they think of Jesus Christ? What think ye of Christ? This is one of the great questions of all time. Regardless of what we may say, investigators must understand that the true answer to this question is best demonstrated by the way we live our lives: Unless we do His teachings, we do not demonstrate faith in Him. Ezra Taft Benson 4. The plan of salvation is simple and easy to understand, but to follow it, we must choose this path. A good scripture to share here is 3 Nephi 14:13-14: Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat; Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. It is important that individuals understand that there is one narrow path requiring obedience to return to our Heavenly Father, and not a number of different paths or a broad path that can save us simply because we may be nice, well-meaning people. We choose the path not simply by making a one-time decision and becoming saved, but by entering in at the narrow gate and living obediently until the end: And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen. (D&C 53:7) Consistent righteous living requires effort and must be our first priority. (Read and discuss John 14:6): Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Find Out: Have the listeners felt blessings in their life because of following the example of Christ or trying to emulate Him? What in the teachings of Christ has the greatest meaning to them? One can learn quite a bit about an investigator by learning which of Christs teachings are most meaningful to him or her. Is the investigators answer a vague generality, or is it something specific and meaningful? Is it sincere and from the heart? What is the investigator willing to do to emulate Christ? Share a few Book of Mormon scriptures with the investigator which demonstrate the teachings most meaningful to them. Then, share how (specifically) it is meaningful to you. This is a great place to build on common beliefs and strengthen the investigators testimony at the same time. 5. By His perfect example and His teachings, Jesus taught us how to fulfill this plan. If we have faith to do what Jesus Christ taught, we will obtain peace in this life. Additionally, we will be able to become more like Him and our Heavenly Father. We will be able to return to Them and live with Them after this life. Could it be any clearer, Mr Shafovaloff? Mr McKeever? I found that lesson material in less than sixty seconds using Google. yorkshiretales/allaboutmormonism/page_shafovaloff_flunks_the_2_nephi_2523_test.html
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:02:41 +0000
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