July 17th, 2014- Salvation and Revelation in the Book of Mormon

Weekly Training Meeting

July 17th, 2014

To Complete Assignment: Send an email to Lisanne of your plan for the #2 practice.

Skills Missionaries need to use the BoM effectively:

(Class Insight)

• Receive Personal Insights
• Receive Personal Revelation
• Facilitate insights for others- members and non-members
• Facilitate revelation for others- members and non-members 
• 180 PMG- Introduce, Read and Apply passages
• Teach doctrine from the Book of Mormon (long and short passages)
• Introduce the Book of Mormon powerfully—Revelation through the Book of Mormon
• Teach People Not Lessons- Adjust, Inspired Questions, Discern- BoM
• Faith/Confidence in the power of the Book of Mormon
• Personal Study with others in mind
• Respond to objections 
• Keystone of Faith
• Book of Mormon and the Bible- supporting each other

Use the consider this bullet points on page 103 of PMG… consolidate the skills missionaries need, how can they fit into those bullet points?

Can you fit them all in? If you couldn’t fit it in then you shouldn’t teach it.

What did you learn from this?

(Class Insight)

• Instead of going straight to the doctrine, we go into to much detail. We should focus more on these 5 things and use the Book of Mormon to simplify things
• When using these they can understand the ‘why’ while they are working on the ‘how’
• Revelation is the thread between the 5 in green
• Focus lessons on Christ and you will see how much the Book of Mormon is focused on Christ

 

PMG page 89

Joseph Smith said, “Salvation cannot come without revelation”

BD-Revelation:

The English word revelation is translated from a Greek word apocalypse, meaning to make known or uncover. This is in contrast to apocrypha, which connotes covered or concealed. Divine revelation is one of the grandest concepts and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, man could not know of the things of God and could not be saved with any degree of salvation in the eternities. Continuous revelation from God to His Saints, through the Holy Ghost or by other means, such as visions, dreams, or visitations, makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom. The principle of gaining knowledge by revelation is the principle of salvation. It is the making known of divine truth by communication with the heavens and consists not only of revelation of the plan of salvation to the Lord’s prophets but also a confirmation in the hearts of the believers that the revelation to the prophets is true. It also consists of individual guidance for every person who seeks for it and follows the prescribed course of faith, repentance, and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The Holy Ghost is a revelator,” said Joseph Smith, and “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations” (HC 6:58). Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion.

Help missionaries receive revelation for themselves and others that will focus them on SALVATION and the salvation of their investigators through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

The things in green are progressional. You must be able to receive personal revelation before you can facilitate it for someone else. 

Practice: 

Big Picture Book of Mormon Reads

1. Introduce missionaries to the concept and progression of the Book of Mormon reads
2. Plan out progression of Book of Mormon with a companion for district

plan objective- 5 bullet points on page 103 PMG

skill that they need

1. Introduce one of the activities in the progression you planned

Evaluation:

Use these paragraphs as a guide for practices-

1st paragraph pg. 103 PMG

The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of the divinity of Christ. It is also proof of the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith. An essential part of conversion is receiving a witness front he Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. This testimony can lead to a deep and abiding faith in the power of the Book of Mormon during the conversion process. Have confidence that the Holy Ghost will testify to anyone who reads and ponders the Book of Mormon and asks God if it is true with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ. this witness of the Holy Ghost should be a central focus of your teaching. 

1st paragraph pg. 89 PMG

Joseph Smith said, “Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it.” You will succeed in your work as you learn to receive and follow personal revelation. Joseph Smith also taught that revelation is vital for your daily work: “This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by relation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed.”

Invitation:

• Write in your journal how you are seeing the mercies of the Lord through the Book of Mormon
• Use the Book of Mormon as a proper tool in the classroom
• Help missionaries use the Book of Mormon properly

July 10, 2014- Introducing the Book of Mormon to Others

Weekly Training Meeting

July 10, 2014

To Complete Assignment: Do the practices with another MTC teacher. Write Lisanne about what you learned from the practices.

Announcements: 

• Soccer MTC Cup- SIGN UP!! google doc
• July 24th Training will be on a different day and you will be discussing observing lessons in Chapter 3… look out for an email about this
• Please keep Sister Teirua in your prayers- VC Sister in the hospital

How should we introduce the Book of Mormon to investigators?

Study:

Blue book pg. 30

The first question in the box: Revelation Through the Book of Mormon

What is the role of the Book of Mormon?… (in)

Testimony

• Definition- witness of truth, knowledge of something, declaration of truth
• knowledge of God’s dealings
• knowledge of the doctrines of the gospel
• witness of- JS Prophet, true church, keystone of religion, JC is our savior
• Christ’s church on earth
• Truth of history
• Testament of Christ

Conversion

• Definition- essential for salvation, act on will of God/change will, deep understanding of truth (atonement and DOC) moves you to act
• nearer to God by abiding by it’s precepts
• Precept: commandment regarding moral conduct
• change of will
• Teaches how to live what we believe
• Peace in this life, eternal salvation in life to come-ACT
• Teaches how to act righteously to attain eternal rewards and goals
• covenant of Christ- understand celestial law

What does it mean for you to understand the role of helping missionaries understand revelation through the Book of Mormon in testimony AND conversion?

• Without testimony they won’t want to abide by it’s precepts
• Help investigators not only have testimony but conversion as well. APPLY their testimony to their lives

Practice:

Introduce the Book of Mormon to Investigators

(7th principle in L1)

Practice doing this in 5 minutes then do the evaluation and re-practice

Repeat practicing in- 5 min… 4 min… 3 min… 2 min…

Evaluation: 2 min

Blue Book pg. 28

• Did the investigator understand the role of the BoM in conversion and how to know it’s true?
• Was the investigator’s faith strengthened?
• WHAT FLUFF NEEDS TO BE CUT?

Invitation:

• Use the Book of Mormon as the tool it’s meant to be… (like we started last week)
• Help missionaries introduce the Book of Mormon properly in PI/other

July 3, 2014- The Book of Mormon-Big Picture Application for the Classroom

Weekly Training Meeting

July 3, 2014

Assignment to Complete: Send an email to Lisanne about how your classroom has changed as a result of this practice.

Announcements: 

• Area Party- July 29th at Zach Hansen’s parent’s house at 6pm
• You can have missionaries use computer labs in all of 18M- 5th floor is usually pretty full
• Use schedtacular to schedule PI rooms, but they are often empty (so use them)
• Same rules as 4M- No food, no gum, ONLY water. Treat it well and keep it clean! 

How should you use the Book of Mormon?

Suspend your current use of the Book of Mormon… DO NOT use the BoM as a back up witness or to prove a point. The Book of Mormon is the first and primary witness. 

Preach My Gospel  

Page 104- 

“The Book of Mormon, combined with the Spirit, is your most powerful resource in conversion. It is the most correct of any book on the earth. It teaches the doctrine of Christ plainly, especially in the lessons you teach investigators. use it as your main source for teaching the restored gospel.” 

USE AS YOUR MAIN SOURCE to teach the Doctrine of Christ 

Page 105- 

“A Central purpose of the BoM is to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ. It testifies of Christ by affirming the reality of His life, mission and power. It teaches true doctrine concerning the Atonement—the foundation for the plan of salvation. Several of those whose writings are preserved in the book of Mormon saw Christ personally. The brother of Jared, Nephi, and Jacob saw the pre-mortal Christ. Mormon and Moroni saw the risen Christ. In addition, multitudes were present during the Savior’s brief but powerful ministry among the Nephites. Those who know little or nothing about the Savior will come to know Him by reading, pondering, and praying about the Book of Mormon.”

Teaches TRUE DOCTRINE which is centered on Jesus Christ and His doctrine

Page 108- 

“As we begin to understand that the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are the way to the abundant life, we will appreciate that these principles help answer any question and fill any need. For example, we understand that repentance, forgiveness, and the covenant to serve others are essential in improving relationships with our spouses. We see that faith in Christ, accepting and keeping covenants, and following the promptings of the Spirit can help teenagers avoid the powerful temptations that surround them.”

The gospel answers any question and fulfills any need

“The Book of Mormon is a springboard to testimony and personal revelation. Use the Book of Mormon to help people have spiritual experiences, especially a witness from the Holy Ghost that the book itself  is true. By consistently inviting people to live the principles found in the Book of Mormon, you help them develop faith in Jesus Christ and draw nearer to God.”

LIVE THE PRINCIPLES 

Page 109- 

“Investigators must resolve for themselves their concerns and objections. You can help as you focus them on what will strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ—reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. When they strengthen their testimony of the Restoration, they will have the strength to overcome their objections and concerns.”

WHO resolves investigators concerns? Investigators. HOW? through your help in strengthening their faith in Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon

What role SHOULD the Book of Mormon play in your teaching according to these pages? 

How can you change the way you are teaching to more effectively use the BoM?

• Point out that the BoM talks about Christ. It not only does that, but it invites you to follow him. 
• Help missionaries to use the BoM in teaching the Doctrine of Christ by using it as you teach it to them

Practice:

1. Select 3 curriculum items you teach (anything) then choose one portion in that item
2. Plan/Discover a way you can teach that item- leading the missionary- to their purpose THROUGH the Book of Mormon (teach the doctrine of your item, lead them to their purpose, use the Book of Mormon)
3. Practice executing your plan with a partner

Evaluate: 

Was the purpose fulfilled? (missionary purpose)

Lisanne’s Demo- Teach People Not Lessons

4 Now, as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were those of whom we have been speaking, of whom were poor in heart, because of their poverty as to the things of the world.

 5 And they came unto Alma; and the one who was the foremost among them said unto him: Behold, what shall these my brethren do, for they are despised of all men because of their poverty, yea, and more especially by our priests; for they have cast us out of our synagogues which we have labored abundantly to build with our own hands; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding poverty; and we have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do?

 6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word.

-Alma 32:4-6

• How did Alma behold these people?
• Recognizing their situation, He saw them clearly, discerned by the spirit
• Discernment that you build on your mission is important for later in life
• He recognized a willingness to act
• Recognize/know that Alma didn’t wake up with these skills
• Draw on past experiences to learn what God wants from you

How did you see the missionary purpose be fulfilled in the demo?

• Not only talk about the purpose but helping them experience it 
• Missionaries will want spiritual gifts, like discernment, and it takes them back to wanting to focus on their purpose in order to get it

Don’t just teach the skills but help them bring it to their purpose

The Book of Mormon is a tool that you can trust in

Invitation/Exhortation: 

The Book of Mormon is powerful evidence of the divinity of Christ. It is also proof of the Restoration throughout the Prophet Joseph Smith. An essential part of conversion is receiving a witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true. As a TEACHER, you must first have a personal testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. This testimony can lead to a deep and abiding faith in the power of the book of Mormon during the conversion process. Have confidence that the Holy Ghost will testify to anyone who reads and ponders the book of Mormon and asks God if it is true with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in Christ. This witness of the Holy Ghost should be a central focus of your teaching. 

Title Page of the Book of Mormon- second paragraph-

“Which is to show unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever”

The Book of Mormon is key to covenants and to know that we are not cast off.