Elder Ronald A. Rasband (Apr. '20): Fulfillment of Prophecy"

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A NOTE:
Maintaining this blog at this time might be one of the most optimistic things I have done in recent memory :), although I am sure we will eventually be meeting together again for church.  I just have no idea when that will be.  Still, I want to continue this blog even in these times as an expression of hope.  In the meantime, I have begun a separate blog that focuses on sharing ideas to explore the messages of general conference in our homes.  That blog can be found here. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed Elder Rasband's contributions since becoming an apostle.  I always find his talks so heartening and this one is no different.  I am always intrigued by what scriptures the general authorities (and especially the prophets/apostles) are studying and drawing from for their talks.  Often, I find great strength in studying these scripture passages on my own in conjunction with the talk.  This activity is designed to build on that idea.

The Activity:
  1. Divide the class into six small groups and ask each group to read one of the following scriptures (all were cited by Elder Rasband in his talk).
    1. Daniel 2:36-45
    2. Acts 3:21
    3. Eph. 1:10; 2:19-20
    4. II Ne. 3:6-8
    5. Mal. 4:5-6
    6. Isaiah 2:2-5
  2. Ask the groups to discuss how these scriptures have been and/or are being fulfilled.
  3. Come back together and ask the class members to share the parts of their discussions they found the most enlightening.
  4. Read par. 12 ("To a small . . . fill the world") and par. 24 ("No unhallowed hand . . . work is done").
  5. Discuss what these prophecies suggest about the future.  Talk about specific ways we can take a greater part or prepare to take a greater part in these events.
  6. Ask the class members to identify one way in which they can increase their participation in the ongoing restoration and challenge them to follow up on that action.
Using the Activity:

The purpose of this activity as alluded to above is to get the class members to examine the scriptures alongside the words of Elder Rasband.  In my experience, the scriptures and the words of our leaders have a similar relationship to that between the Book of Mormon and the Bible-- they each strengthen the other and often a testimony of one increases a testimony of the other.  So, I am hoping that this activity allows class members to find greater strength in what is shared.

In terms of easy changes, depending on the size of the class/quorum you may opt for six groups or for three with a scripture or two assigned to each one, or you may decide that simply talking as a whole class is better.  You could even list all the passages on the board and ask class members to simply talk with those near them about what they read in whatever scripture(s) they choose.  This last option may allow some class members to explore specific scriptures that they either feel a connection to or have question about.  

And as I often do, I end this activity with a challenge for the class members to make a decision to apply these teachings in their own lives.  Increasingly, I feel by the Spirit that this is the ultimate goal of all of our lessons (or at least it should be).  

As always, I hope that this activity is helpful to you in your efforts to teach with power and authority.  God bless you.

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