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

-
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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (Oct. '23): "More Than a Hero"

-
 This talk is custom made for today.  All around us we can see people who choose worldly heroes to focus on and follow with little, if any, thought given to Christ and Father.  The results are perilous to us and to society.  This talk in some aspects reminds me of some of Pres. Kimball's teachings ( here , for example).   The Activity: Draw a line down the middle of the board. Read par. 23 "For us on . . . Savior and Redeemer." Ask the class members to consider what would characterize too much trust placed in "the politician, the musician, the athlete, or the vlogger" or anyone. Invite them to share their ideas.  As they do, list them on one side of the board. Invite the class members to look over the list they have created and consider how they can either safeguard against these things or walk back from perilous positions. Allow a moment to think and then discuss. Point out that if this is too much attention placed on people, in what ways could we do the same t
Read more

Elder Dale G. Renlund (Oct. '23): "Jesus Christ is the Treasure"

-
 What a great talk reminding us of the simplicity of the gospel-- Jesus  Christ.  The treasure is always Jesus Christ.  Remembering that is not easy in our modern world, though.  To help us remember, the Lord has given us many things.  Elder Renlund in this talk reviews four of these and this is what the activity below focuses on. The Activity: Make sure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Explain that in this talk, Elder Renlund reviews four actions we can do to avoid looking beyond the mark. Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group one action along with the corresponding part of the talk.  These are: Repentance-- par. 10-11 "The Savior has . . . of our sins." The sacrament-- par. 12-13 "Just like the . . . prospered, and preserved." Temple Worship-- par. 14-15 "When we have . . . it is distant." Listening to the Prophet-- par. 16-17  "After Carter and . . . look no further." Have
Read more

Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Apr. '24): "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys"

-
 This is a relatively short talk, but it is full of both invitations and promises from our prophet.  The blessings enumerated and promised are especially inspiring (par. 25-31).  However, for this activity I chose to focus on the invitations that Pres. Nelson extends to us as members. The Activity: Insure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Insure that every class member has something to write with and on (a device would work fine). Write on the board (or post printed statements) of the 3 (or 5 depending on how you choose to break up the last one) invitations that Pres. Nelson gives us. Par. 8-9 "Jesus Christ then . . . for you personally." Par. 16 "Consider how your . . . to the earth." Par. 19-22 "I invite you . . . home to Him."  (the three statements here could be listed separately). Ask the class members to read these statements and spend a moment silently considering one of the invitations. (Option
Read more