Lesson for July 13, 2014

Lesson for July 13, 2014 Today our lesson was given by Maggie Kopp about two chapters: Baptism and The Gift of the Holy Ghost. We know that the first and second ordinances of the gospel are baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, but the things that stood out to Maggie, were the first things we should know about baptism. She remembers her interview and being able to answer all the questions. Another sister remembers being all in white and looking in the mirror and feeling strong and excited to be part of the gospel. President Smith discussed the symbolism of baptism. Maggie divided us up into groups to discuss baptism and the symbolism associated with it. Maggie likened baptism to birth and also to death and resurrection. Some of the scriptures she referred us to were Moses 6:58-60; John 3:3-8; Romans 6:4; and Matthew 3:16-17. Some of the things we thought of were that we are being born into the kingdom of God, no matter what age we are. Once a child is born it becomes separate from the mother and once a person is baptized he/she is accountable for their own sins. Once a person is baptized, he/she takes on Christ’s identity. Sister Davis’s son thought the word accountable sounded like “a cannibal” and he didn’t want to do that. Baptism is a symbol of rebirth, or resurrection as the baptized person becomes a new person with a new life. We bury our old life and leave it behind so we can take part in our new life. As we look back on our own baptism, we’ve learned to keep covenants. Emily Campbell said they taught their children leading up to baptism just like a new convert would be taught so it could be their choice. We need to mention the gift of the Holy Ghost, because we learn so much once we have that gift. We don’t have to know everything about the gospel and that we are willing to commit to learning more after baptism. The basic testimony and commitment are what are necessary and will carry us through. Sister Aldridge said she has learned that she can start fresh each week by taking the sacrament. Maggie’s grandpa said that he remembered being baptized and after he accidentally ripped his pants and swore and thought he’d messed up his baptism. So because babies are sinless, it really seems odd to baptize children. President Smith said that it was a vision that gave the church the idea that eight was the proper age. Amy Young said we need to teach kids that we are all trying and making mistakes and that they can repent and take the sacrament to make themselves clean again. Also, that Jesus is waiting for them to come back to them. We covenant to keep the commandments and we would prove to God that we are willing to live by the word of God with humility and diligence. Sister Cantrell said that the most important thing is to remember that we can always have the Spirit to be with us if we keep the commandments. Sister Harding said we need to be good representatives of Christ and good examples. Do we have the Holy Spirit with us and being Christ-like. Maggie said that our baptismal covenants are indicative of being saved by works and grace of the Atonement. Our baptism is incomplete unless we receive the Holy Ghost. We can do lots of things and not receive the Holy Ghost, unless we are blessed by the gift. Joseph Smith said that baptizing someone without giving them the gift of the Holy Ghost was as effective as baptizing a bag of sand. We should focus on receiving and keeping the Holy Spirit with us at all times and that includes all the things we should do to keep the gospel in remembrance and at the forefront of our thoughts. All the things we do should be to keep the Holy Ghost and having the Holy Ghost with us helps us do the thing we should, so it’s kind of like an endless loop. Sister Lewis said that when we receive revelation, we need to act on it so the Lord knows we value revelation and then we can ask for more. Sister Boyadjian said it is the verb to act and to do. It is as if are drive the car and we can see the road, but if we do not act upon the appropriate rules of driving, we will crash. Sister Cantrell said we need to pray always and the Lord will direct us. We need to do the work so we can get the promptings to make right choices. Gratitude is a key to having revelation in our life. President Smith said it is the privilege of every member to know the truth and gain the light.