Seven Gospel Fundamentals

Seven Gospel Fundamentals A Study for the Joint Senior M. I. A. Class for April and May, 1922 Introduction It is recommended that the sen- ior classes of the Y. M. M. I. A. and Y. L. M. I. A. unite and con- sider these topics and outlines jointly. They should not be pre- sented in the usual lesson or lec- ture form, but rather in the nature of an open forum or free, round- table discussion. The aim should be to get as many as possible of the young people to participate. It is suggested that each week sev- eral members of the class (at least five young men and five young women) be assigned to lead out in the giving of personal experiences, or to prepare the incidents and il- lustrations referred to in the out- lines. Young people of senior age can be appealed to through topics of a spiritual nature; intelligent dis- cussion of religion never fails to interest them. If you have re- turned missionaries who are or should be members of the Senior classes, make use of them in these discussions. The principles of the gospel here treated are vital. They are as applicable today in the lives of the Latter-day Saints as at any time in history. Where the young men are di- viding their lesson time, they should be given the privilege of meeting separately, if they so de- sire. There is Divine Authority Class leaders should aim to have as many as possible of the members relate instances of the manifestation of divine authority, preferably those which have occurred in the present period of the Church, as, for example: power and de- velopment which have come to men who have received the Priesthood, fulfilled promises in patriarchal blessings, healing of the sick, etc. Simple incidents may be as effective as more remarkable ones. A careful assignment should be made in order to insure participation. To stimulate discussion, the following outline is given: What is authority? What is the authority of superior knowledge? Explain delegated authority. Why is divine authority indispensable in working out the plan of salva- tion? Show how divine authority was given for each fundamental step in the history of the Church. Illustrate the power of ai thority from: a. The Old Testament; b. The New Testa- ment; c. The Book of Mormon; d. The History of the Church; e. Personal expe- riences among class members, or others. II Be Believing Let the members of the class give expe- riences in the exercise of faith in God, in the atonement of Jesus Christ, and in ihe restoration of the gospel to the prophet Joseph Smith, either personal, or those of other people, which have resulted in its increase in their lives and actions. This discussion should occupy most of the pe- riod. Try to have all members partici- pate. Outline to assist in the discussion: Show how faith is developed. Show why it is necessary to understand the attributes of God in order to

444 IMPROVEMENT ERA have faith in him. What is meant by the statement that faith is a principle of power? Illustrate. On what evidence does faith in God rest? Prove that faith in God and in the atonement of his Son Jesus Christ is essential to progress and to ultimate salvation. Show that faith is a gift from God. Show that true faith finds expression in action. References: Talmage's Articles of Faith, Lecture 5. Book of Mormon, Alma 14:26-29; Helarm.n 5:20-52. Old and New Testaments. Church History. Ill Communion with God Open the class period by a recital in concert of the Lord's Prayer. For the consideration of this topic ev- ery member should be able to bring to. class a story or incident showing the ef- ficacy of prayer. Encourage the telling of simple, every-day personal experiences. Make careful assignment. Outline to aid the discussion: What is prayer? Prayer is communion with God; it is the soul's sincere desire. There are prayers of praise, thanksgiv- ing, pleading, supplication, confession. Prayer of desire the commonest form: people pray oftenest when they want something, or when they are in distress. Prayer of praise. Illustration: Psalms of David. There should be mental preparation for prayer. Humility, purity, and un- selfishness should be conditions attend- ant on prayer. Effort should accompany prayer. Effect of prayer on the individual. Value of prayer habit — "Prayer will keep a man from sin, and sin will keep a man from prayer." President Brigham Young. Explain what it means to "pray un- ceasingly." Are prayers answered? Give inci- dents. Why are prayers sometimes unan- swered ? Read "A Place of Prayer," and an article on "Prayer," pp. 383, 385-92 of this issue of the Era, also story, pp. 424-8. IV Godly Sorrow The major portion of the class period is to be spent by the members in relating incidents of repentance from their own experience, either personal, or which have come under their observation. Often those of the simplest nature may be most effective. Helps to the discussion: Explain the meaning of repentance. Point out the beauty of this prin- ciple, its saving power, its contin- ued necessity. Show the differ- ence between a "Godly Sorrow" and the "Sorrow of the World." (II Cor. 7:10.) Show the steps in repentance. (See Outlines for Teacher-Training, 1922, p. 42.) Instances of repentance, David's re- pentance, Psalms 25; 38:1-6; 51; Alma's repentance, Mos. 27, especially verses 24- 28; the repentance of Oliver Cowdery, Era, Vol. 24, p. 620, and also Journal, May, 1921, p. 315. Preachers of repentance: John the Baptist, Matt. 3:1-12; the Apostle Peter, Acts 2:3840; 3.19; Alma, 5:15-26; 9:29, 30; III Nephi 7:16-26; Luther; Joseph Smith. The Way to Success Spend the greater portion of the time in relating instances of success which have come through obedience. If par- ents, grandparents, or others of the older members of the Church are consulted, and incidents obtained from them, a wealth of choice material may be brought to the class. Outline: Show that obedience is one of the fundamental principles of the gos- pel. See this Era, pp. 440-2. Discuss obedience: a. To parents; b. To secular authority; c. To the counsels of the Church. Show how there can be no order with- out obedience. Examples of obedience in ancient times: a. Adam's obedience, Pearl of Great Price, Mos. 5:5-6. b. Ab- raham's obedience, Gen. 12:1-14,

SEVEN GOSPEL FUNDAMENTALS 445 Pearl of Great Price, Abraham, 2: 3, 4. c. Lehi's obedience, I Nephi 2:2-3. d. Nephi's obedience, I Ne- phi 3 and 4. e. The widow wom- an's obedience, I Kings 17:10-16. Examples of obedience in modern times: Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Life of Heber C. Kimball, p. 275-6. Blessings promised the obedient: a. To Abraham, Gen. 22:15-18. b. To all who obey the law of tithing, Mai. 3:10. c. To all who keep the Word of Wisdom, Doc. and Cov. 89:18-21. VI The Lord's Portion The entire class should relate instances showing the satisfaction and blessing re- sulting from the honest payment of tith- ing. Suggestions to aid in the discussion: The principle of tithing was wisely in- stituted by the Lord, (a) as a means of character development in the tithe-payer, and (b) as a means of providing for the financial security of the Church. The individual who keeps the law of tithing is putting himself in a position to grow in brotherly kindness, and he may rest assured that his name is written in the books from which he will be judged. "He that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming." Doc. and Cov. 64:23. Explain that an accurate tithing is one- tenth of one's increase; any amount less than one-tenth is not a tithing. Give historical instances of tithe-pay- ing and blessings promised therefor. (See Gen. 14:18-20; 28:20-22; Deut. 14:22-28; Doc. and Cov. 64:23-24; 97:11; 119:1-7; Articles of Faith, pages 448, 449.) Explain the benefits of tithe-paying to the individual. Explain the benefits of this law to the Church — the purposes for which tithing is used. VII Missionary Experiences At the close of this course, a most profitable hour may be spent in the re- cital of missionary experiences, showing the power of the Priesthood, the loving watchcare of the Lord for his servants, the kindness of the people towards the elders, the joy that comes through ser- vice. Returned missionaries will rejoice in the opportunity of attending this class and relating their experiences. Others who have not been upon missions may tell of incidents related to them by fath- ers or brothers or friends in the field. It is realized that most of our returned mis- s'onaries are members (or should be) of the Advanced Senior Class, and it is not the intention to disturb that class, but there may be yet others in the ward, not identified with Mutual, who would appreciate being invited to this session of the Senior Class and to participate in the discussion. In many wards of the Church splendid home missionary work is being carried on, attended by experiences which have greatly increased the faith and joy of those participating. These may profit- ably be related. Discuss the question: What can be done generally to promote the same mis- sionary spirit at home as in the field? Contrast There is nothing so well but it could be better; There is nothing so bad but it could be worse. There is none of us perfect in deed or in letter, And few of us "good" till we ride in a hearse. But man does not judge the heart, you know, 'Tis God alone knows our intent, He watches and guards us here below, And claims a reck'ning for talent's lent. Enoch Jorgensen, B. S.