FHE: Build Up the Church

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “Was It Worth It?”, by Elder David F. Evans, Ensign, May 2012, 106.

Thought:
"The Lord loves both the person who has never had the gospel and the person who is returning to Him. . . . Our blessing is to help in this great work."

(David F. Evans, “Was It Worth It?”, Ensign, May 2012, 106.) 

Song:
“We”ll Bring the World His Truth,” Children’s Songbook, p. 172.

Scripture:
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

(2 Nephi 25:23)

Lesson:
Have your family turn to Mosiah 12:20–21 and find the question the wicked priests asked Abinadi. Read together Mosiah 15:13–19 and look for Abinadi’s explanation of what Isaiah meant by this phrase. Discuss the following questions to help your family discover what Isaiah meant:

• Who are those who have “published peace” in verses 13–14? (All past prophets.)
• How is teaching the gospel like publishing peace?
• Who are those who are publishing peace now (verse 16) and in the future (verse 17)? (Modern prophets, missionaries, us.)
• What would have happened if this message had not been published? (See Mosiah 15:19.)
• How do new converts feel about the missionaries who taught them the gospel?
• How do you feel about our current prophet?
• How are the feelings we have for those who teach us the gospel like Isaiah saying, “How beautiful upon the mountains are their feet”?
• How would you like someone to feel that way about you?

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 132.)

Story:
“A Husband’s Most Precious Gift” by Harold B. Lee

In the old Provo Tabernacle some years ago, we held a meeting of husbands and wives where we tried to inspire those who were less active in the Church. . . .

A lovely sister was asked to come forward to tell about the joy that had come into their home since her husband had now become active in the Church. They had gone to the temple, and now they had the joy of an eternal union.

The wife told about that beautiful experience in the temple where, across an altar, they were sealed together for eternity. And then the doors opened and their five little girls, dressed in white, came in and joined them around that sacred altar, and a man of God pronounced them a family through the eternities.

As she spoke, she looked over the pulpit, and right down in front of her was her husband. As she looked at him, she seemed to forget that anyone else was present. She said to him, “Daddy, I don’t know how to tell you how grateful the girls and I are for what you have done for us; because, you see, except for you who have the priesthood of God to unlock the key to an eternal home, none of us could be together in the hereafter. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you, our Daddy.”

(Leon R. Hartshorn, Classic Stories from the Lives of Our Prophets, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971], p. 346.)

Activity:
Have a bubble gum bubble-blowing contest. This game takes enthusiasm to play. Good missionaries need this type of enthusiasm.

Refreshment
Sopaipillas

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
1 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add shortening, cutting it in with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add water, a little at a time, to form a pastry-like dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured board; cover with a damp cloth and let rest 1 hour.

In a large, heavy frying pan, pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Heat oil to 425 degrees F. Divide dough in half. Roll each ball of dough as thin as possible. Cut into 3-inch squares and fry in the hot oil. As they are cooking, gently push squares down into the oil several times so that they will puff evenly. Turn once to brown and cook until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with honey. Makes about 30.

(Lion House International, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1997], p. 120.)

Get the PDF version of "Build Up the Church."

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