Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Joseph Smith taught that "“We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object.” Section 58 gives inspired counsel on how we can do that in our homes and communities today. We can be 'anxiously engaged' in building up others as well as Zion. Section 59 focuses our attention on our Sabbath day observance and how it can truly be a delight! All of the quotes that are used in this video can be found at BrotherMiller.org or BrotherRMiller.wordpress.com
Joseph Smith: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live;”
“…and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007], 186).
Joseph Smith: “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object.” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186).
Section 58 – A pattern for building Zion
Presdient Gordon B. Hinckley: “A group in Cedar City [Utah] were talking about a woman, Sister Nellie Unthank and others who were in the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. Members of the group spoke critically of the Church and its leaders because the company of converts had been permitted to start so late in the season. I now quote from a manuscript which I have:
“‘One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it. Then he arose and said things that no person who heard will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.
“He said in substance, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. A mistake to send the handcart company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.’ (Manuscript in my possession.)
“Those on the high, cold plains of Wyoming came to know Him in their extremity as perhaps few come to know Him. But to every troubled soul, every man or woman in need, to those everywhere who are pulling heavy burdens through the bitter storms of life, He has said:
“‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28-30.)” (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 52).
Presdient Brigham Young: “We talk about our trials and troubles here in this life: but suppose that you could see yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to your religion during the few short years in this time, and have obtained eternal salvation and a crown of glory in the presence of God; then look back upon your lives here, and see the losses, crosses, and disappointments, the sorrows . . . , you would be constrained to exclaim, ‘But what of all that? Those things were but for a moment, and we are now here. We have been faithful during a few moments in our mortality, and now we enjoy eternal life and glory.’” (Journal of Discourses, 7:275).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “But come what may, anything that befalls us here in mortality is but for a small moment, and if we are true and faithful God will eventually exalt us on high. All our losses and sufferings will be made up to us in the resurrection.” (Ensign, Nov. 1976 p. 106).
“The aim of all gospel learning and teaching is to deepen our conversion and help us become more like Jesus Christ.” (Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2019/intro?lang=eng)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “Usually the Lord gives us the overall objectives to be accomplished and some guidelines to follow, but he expects us to work out most of the details and methods. The methods and procedures are usually developed through study and prayer and by living so that we can obtain and follow the promptings of the Spirit. . . .
Today those spiritually alert look at the objectives, check the guidelines laid down by the Lord and his prophets, and then prayerfully act—without having to be commanded ‘in all things.’ This attitude prepares men for godhood. . . .
“Sometimes the Lord hopefully waits on his children to act on their own, and when they do not, they lose the greater prize, and the Lord will either drop the entire matter and let them suffer the consequences or else he will have to spell it out in greater detail. Usually, I fear, the more he has to spell it out, the smaller is our reward” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1965, 121, 122).
Teaching Idea: In pairs, prepare to teach repentance to an investigator
You may want to be prepared to answer these questions:
President Boyd K. Packer: “No matter what our transgressions have been, no matter how much our actions may have hurt others, that guilt can all be wiped out. To me, perhaps the most beautiful phrase in all scripture is when the Lord said, ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more’ [D&C 58:42].
“That is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement.” (“The Atonement,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 77)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins. We can know for ourselves that we have been forgiven and made clean. The Holy Ghost will verify this to us; He is the Sanctifier. No other testimony of forgiveness can be greater.”
“Satan will try to make us believe that our sins are not forgiven because we can remember them. Satan is a liar; he tries to blur our vision and lead us away from the path of repentance and forgiveness. God did not promise that we would not remember our sins. Remembering will help us avoid making the same mistakes again. But if we stay true and faithful, the memory of our sins will be softened over time. This will be part of the needed healing and sanctification process.” “Point of Safe Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 101)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Attempts to create a list of specific steps of repentance may be helpful to some, but it may also lead to a mechanical, check-off-the-boxes approach with no real feeling or change. True repentance is not superficial. The Lord gives two overarching requirements: ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them’ (D&C 58:43)” (“The Divine Gift of Repentance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 40)
How will you build up Zion today?
Joseph Smith: “This was the first death in the church in this land, and I can say a worthy member sleeps in Jesus till the resurrection.” (History, 1838-1856, volume A-1, 139).
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, honoring the Sabbath is a form of righteousness that will bless and strengthen families, connect us with our Creator, and increase happiness. The Sabbath can help separate us from that which is frivolous, inappropriate, or immoral. It allows us to be in the world but not of the world.
“… Truly keeping the Sabbath day holy is a refuge from the storms of this life. It is also a sign of our devotion to our Father in Heaven.” (“Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy—in Good Times and Bad Times,” Ensign, Nov. 2015, 41–42).
President Russell M. Nelson: “The Sabbath is a Delight: (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng)
General Conference Leadership Broadcast: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts/archive/general-conference-leadership-training/2015/10?lang=eng
Teaching Thoughts:
Joseph Smith: “The building up of Zion is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age; it is a theme upon which prophets, priests and kings have dwelt with peculiar delight; they have looked forward with joyful anticipation to the day in which we live;”
“…and fired with heavenly and joyful anticipations they have sung and written and prophesied of this our day; but they died without the sight; we are the favored people that God has made choice of to bring about the Latter-day glory.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society course of study, 2007], 186).
Joseph Smith: “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object.” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186).
Section 58 – A pattern for building Zion
- D&C 58:2-5 – Struggle and Tribulation
- D&C 58:1-13, 49-59 – Foundations
- D&C 58:8-11, 44-48, 61-65 – Preaching
- D&C 58:14-23 – Bishop’s Role
- D&C 58:26-39 – Agents who act!
- D&C 58:35-39, 49-53 – Consecration
- D&C 58:42-43 – Repentance
Presdient Gordon B. Hinckley: “A group in Cedar City [Utah] were talking about a woman, Sister Nellie Unthank and others who were in the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. Members of the group spoke critically of the Church and its leaders because the company of converts had been permitted to start so late in the season. I now quote from a manuscript which I have:
“‘One old man in the corner sat silent and listened as long as he could stand it. Then he arose and said things that no person who heard will ever forget. His face was white with emotion, yet he spoke calmly, deliberately, but with great earnestness and sincerity.
“He said in substance, ‘I ask you to stop this criticism. You are discussing a matter you know nothing about. Cold historic facts mean nothing here for they give no proper interpretation of the questions involved. A mistake to send the handcart company out so late in the season? Yes. But I was in that company and my wife was in it and Sister Nellie Unthank whom you have cited was there too. We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a word of criticism? Not one of that company ever apostatized or left the Church because every one of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with him in our extremities.’ (Manuscript in my possession.)
“Those on the high, cold plains of Wyoming came to know Him in their extremity as perhaps few come to know Him. But to every troubled soul, every man or woman in need, to those everywhere who are pulling heavy burdens through the bitter storms of life, He has said:
“‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28-30.)” (Ensign, Nov. 1991, 52).
Presdient Brigham Young: “We talk about our trials and troubles here in this life: but suppose that you could see yourselves thousands and millions of years after you have proved faithful to your religion during the few short years in this time, and have obtained eternal salvation and a crown of glory in the presence of God; then look back upon your lives here, and see the losses, crosses, and disappointments, the sorrows . . . , you would be constrained to exclaim, ‘But what of all that? Those things were but for a moment, and we are now here. We have been faithful during a few moments in our mortality, and now we enjoy eternal life and glory.’” (Journal of Discourses, 7:275).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “But come what may, anything that befalls us here in mortality is but for a small moment, and if we are true and faithful God will eventually exalt us on high. All our losses and sufferings will be made up to us in the resurrection.” (Ensign, Nov. 1976 p. 106).
“The aim of all gospel learning and teaching is to deepen our conversion and help us become more like Jesus Christ.” (Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2019/intro?lang=eng)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “Usually the Lord gives us the overall objectives to be accomplished and some guidelines to follow, but he expects us to work out most of the details and methods. The methods and procedures are usually developed through study and prayer and by living so that we can obtain and follow the promptings of the Spirit. . . .
Today those spiritually alert look at the objectives, check the guidelines laid down by the Lord and his prophets, and then prayerfully act—without having to be commanded ‘in all things.’ This attitude prepares men for godhood. . . .
“Sometimes the Lord hopefully waits on his children to act on their own, and when they do not, they lose the greater prize, and the Lord will either drop the entire matter and let them suffer the consequences or else he will have to spell it out in greater detail. Usually, I fear, the more he has to spell it out, the smaller is our reward” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1965, 121, 122).
Teaching Idea: In pairs, prepare to teach repentance to an investigator
You may want to be prepared to answer these questions:
- How do you repent?
- Why do I have to repent?
- How is it possible to repent?
- Why is it important for you to know that the Lord will remember your sins no more? (58:42-43)
- Why do you think that we still remember our sins?
- What do you say to a friend who thinks that they cannot be forgiven?
President Boyd K. Packer: “No matter what our transgressions have been, no matter how much our actions may have hurt others, that guilt can all be wiped out. To me, perhaps the most beautiful phrase in all scripture is when the Lord said, ‘Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more’ [D&C 58:42].
“That is the promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Atonement.” (“The Atonement,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 77)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins. We can know for ourselves that we have been forgiven and made clean. The Holy Ghost will verify this to us; He is the Sanctifier. No other testimony of forgiveness can be greater.”
“Satan will try to make us believe that our sins are not forgiven because we can remember them. Satan is a liar; he tries to blur our vision and lead us away from the path of repentance and forgiveness. God did not promise that we would not remember our sins. Remembering will help us avoid making the same mistakes again. But if we stay true and faithful, the memory of our sins will be softened over time. This will be part of the needed healing and sanctification process.” “Point of Safe Return,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 101)
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Attempts to create a list of specific steps of repentance may be helpful to some, but it may also lead to a mechanical, check-off-the-boxes approach with no real feeling or change. True repentance is not superficial. The Lord gives two overarching requirements: ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them’ (D&C 58:43)” (“The Divine Gift of Repentance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 40)
How will you build up Zion today?
- D&C 58:2-5 – Struggle and Tribulation
- D&C 58:1-13, 49-59 – Foundations
- D&C 58:8-11, 44-48, 61-65 – Preaching
- D&C 58:14-23 – Bishop’s Role
- D&C 58:26-39 – Agents who act!
- D&C 58:35-39, 49-53 – Consecration
- D&C 58:42-43 – Repentance
Joseph Smith: “This was the first death in the church in this land, and I can say a worthy member sleeps in Jesus till the resurrection.” (History, 1838-1856, volume A-1, 139).
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, honoring the Sabbath is a form of righteousness that will bless and strengthen families, connect us with our Creator, and increase happiness. The Sabbath can help separate us from that which is frivolous, inappropriate, or immoral. It allows us to be in the world but not of the world.
“… Truly keeping the Sabbath day holy is a refuge from the storms of this life. It is also a sign of our devotion to our Father in Heaven.” (“Shipshape and Bristol Fashion: Be Temple Worthy—in Good Times and Bad Times,” Ensign, Nov. 2015, 41–42).
President Russell M. Nelson: “The Sabbath is a Delight: (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng)
General Conference Leadership Broadcast: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/broadcasts/archive/general-conference-leadership-training/2015/10?lang=eng
Teaching Thoughts:
- How will you continue to make your Sabbath a delight?
- What would make your Sabbath more delightful?
- Object Lesson: Create a Sundae…
- Write in scripture journal or on phone who you will be anxiously engaged in a good work today.
- What did you learn today that you could share with someone else?
- Who would God have you share this with?