Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah” – scriptures and quotes

Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah” –  scriptures and quotes

Reading 1 – 1 Kings 19:15-16

1 Kings 19:19

Reading 2 – 2 Kings 2:1-8

2 Kings 2:9-13

Reading 3 – 2 Kings 2:14-15

Reading 4 - President Joseph Fielding Smith explained: “There is no mystery about the choosing of the successor to the President of the Church. The Lord settled this a long time ago, and the senior apostle automatically becomes the presiding officer of the Church, and he is so sustained by the Council of the Twelve which becomes the presiding body of the Church when there is no First Presidency. The president is not elected, but he has to be sustained both by his brethren of the Council and by the members of the Church” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:156).

Reading 5 - President Gordon B. Hinckley explained how this procedure was followed when he was ordained and set apart as the prophet and President of the Church following the death of President Howard W. Hunter:

“With President Hunter’s passing, the First Presidency was dissolved. Brother Monson and I, who had served as his counselors, took our places in the Quorum of the Twelve, which became the presiding authority of the Church.

“[A few days later] all of the living ordained Apostles gathered in a spirit of fasting and prayer in the upper room of the temple. Here we sang a sacred hymn and prayed together. We partook of the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, renewing in that sacred, symbolic testament our covenants and our relationship with Him who is our divine Redeemer. The Presidency was then reorganized, following a precedent well established through generations of the past [this precedent is explained in the preceding statement by President Joseph Fielding Smith]. There was no campaigning, no contest, no ambition for office. It was quiet, peaceful, simple, and sacred. It was done after the pattern which the Lord Himself had put in place” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 92; or Ensign, May 1995, 69).

Reading 6 – 2 Kings 5:1-5,8-9

Reading 7 – 2 Kings 5:10-14

Elder Rex D. Pinegar asked, “Are we not sometimes like Naaman, looking for big or important things to do and bypassing simple things which could change our lives and heal us of our afflictions?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 106; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 80)

Reading 8 - After recounting the story of Naaman, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said: “The way of the gospel is a simple way. Some of the requirements may appear to you as elementary and unnecessary. Do not spurn them. Humble yourselves and walk in obedience. I promise that the results that follow will be marvelous to behold and satisfying to experience” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1976, 143; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, 96).

Reading 9 - Elder Boyd K. Packer has written: “Others among us are willing to sustain part of the leadership of the Church and question and criticize others of us.

Some of us suppose that if we were called to a high office in the Church immediately, we would be loyal and would show the dedication necessary. We would step forward and valiantly commit ourselves to this service.

But (you can put it down in your little black book) if you will not be loyal in the small things, you will not be loyal in the large things. If you will not respond to the so-called insignificant or menial tasks which need to be performed in the Church and kingdom, there will be no opportunity for service in the so-called greater challenges.

A man who says he will sustain the President of the Church or the General Authorities, but cannot sustain his own bishop is deceiving himself. The man who will not sustain the bishop of his ward and the president of his stake will not sustain the President of the Church.” (That All May Be Edified , p.238-239)

President Thomas S. Monson said: “My brothers and sisters, may we have a commitment to our Heavenly Father that does not ebb and flow with the years or the crises of our lives. We should not need to experience difficulties for us to remember Him, and we should not be driven to humility before giving Him our faith and trust.” (Ensign, November 2013).

2 Kings 6:12

Reading 10 – 2 Kings 6:15-17

Reading 11 – Jeffrey R. Holland, then President of BYU, said: "In the gospel of Jesus Christ you have help from both sides of the veil and you must never forget that. When disappointment and discouragement strike—and they will—you remember and never forget that if our eyes could be opened we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as the eye can see riding at reckless speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven, in defense of Abraham’s seed."

Lesson 25: Psalms

Some of you might be interested in further study in the Messianic prophecies in the the book of Psalms. Here is a copy of the handout:

1. Prophecies of the life and mission of Jesus Christ Found in Psalms

Many psalms prophesy of Christ’s mission as the Messiah. The resurrected Savior declared, “All things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). Discuss the fulfillment of a few of the following prophecies about Christ that are written in the book of Psalms:

Prophecy	Fulfillment
Psalm 107:23–30	Matthew 8:23–27. Jesus calmed the winds and the waves.
Psalm 69:8	John 1:11; 7:5. Jesus was not received by his own people.
Psalm 41:9; 55:12–14	John 13:18, 21. Jesus was betrayed by a friend.
Psalm 69:20	Mark 14:32–41. Jesus suffered alone in Gethsemane.
Psalm 22:7–8	Matthew 27:39–43. Jesus was mocked.
Psalm 22:16	Mark 15:25. Jesus was crucified.
Psalm 22:18	Matthew 27:35. The soldiers cast lots for Christ’s clothes.
Psalm 22:1	Matthew 27:46. Jesus asked the Father why he had forsaken him.
Psalm 69:21	John 19:28–30. Jesus was given vinegar for his thirst.
Psalm 34:20	John 19:33–36. None of Jesus’ bones was broken.
Psalm 31:5	Luke 23:46. Jesus commended his spirit to the Father and died.
Psalm 16:10	Acts 2:31–32; 13:34–35. The Savior’s flesh did not see corruption, being raised up in the Resurrection.

• •

Jesus Christ is the only person whose birth, life, death, and resurrection were prophesied before his birth. Why do you think such detailed prophecies were given about the Savior’s life? (These prophecies made it clear that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world.) How were these prophecies a blessing to those who received them? (The prophecies helped people learn of the Savior and gain testimonies of him even before he was born [see Mosiah 3:13]. The prophecies also helped some people recognize him when he came.)

Readings used in the lesson

Reading 1

 “…there is ample internal evidence that David, the great poet and musician of Israel, was the principal author of (Psalms).

1.    David’s name is famous in the Old Testament period for music and song.

2.    David was especially endowed by the Holy Spirit (I Sam. 23:1-2)

3.    David’s music and poetical gifts appear indelibly interwoven on the pages of Old Testament history.  He is called ‘the sweet psalmist of Israel’ (II Sam. 23:1)

4.    He was a skilled performer on the lyre (I Sam.16:6-18)

5.    He was the author of the masterful elegy written upon the death of Saul and Jonathan (II Sam. 1:19-27)

6.    He is referred to as a model poet-musician by the prophet, Amos (Amos 6:5)

7.    Most of the songs attributed to him reflect some period of his life

8.    Certain psalms are cited as Davidic in Scripture in general. For example, Acts 4:25-26 so cites Psalm 2. “   Unger,Bible Dictionary

 There are 283 citations from the Old Testament in the New Testament.

116 have been counted from this one book of Psalms.

 Reading 2

 Psalm 51 Verses 1-3, 9-12, 16-17

 Reading 3

“Music is part of the language of the Gods. It has been given to man so he can sing praises to the Lord.  It is a means of expressing, with poetic words and in melodious tunes, the deep feelings of rejoicing and thanksgiving found in the hearts of those who have testimonies of the divine Sonship and who know of the wonders and glories wrought for them by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Music is both in the voice and in the heart. Every true saint finds his heart full of songs of praise to his Maker.”   Old Testament Student Manual

 Reading 4

 Psalm 104:24       Psalm 136:3-9

 Reading 5

 Psalm 86:5, 13      Psalm 100:4-5

 Reading 6

 Psalm 19:7-11

 Reading 7

 Psalm 5:7

 Reading 8

 Psalm 18:2    Psalm 56:11

The Rest of the Story About Elijah: Lesson 28

Elijah and worship of the only true God-1 Kings 18

After his sojourn with the widow and her son in Zaraphath, the Lord commands Elijah to confront Ahab.

• In the third year of the famine, the Lord commanded Elijah, “Go [show] thyself to Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth” (1 Kings 18:1). How did Ahab react when he saw Elijah? (See 1 Kings 18:17. Point out that Ahab blamed Elijah for the famine.) What was the real cause of the famine? (See 1 Kings 18:18.)
• As Elijah had requested, Ahab gathered all of Israel and 850 false priests at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:19–20). When the people gathered to hear Elijah speak, he asked them, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21). What do you think it means to halt between two opinions? How do we sometimes halt between two opinions? (See Matthew 6:24. Point out that the word mammon refers to worldliness.)
  Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: “The stirring words of various prophets … urge us to choose, to decide, and not to halt. … Elijah’s message has tremendous relevancy today, for all must finally choose between the gods of this world and the God of eternity” (That My Family Should Partake [1974], 22).
  
  What was Elijah’s purpose in challenging the priests of Baal? (See 1 Kings 18:36–37.) How did the people react to the Lord’s display of power? (See 1 Kings 18:38–39.) How were they blessed for acknowledging the Lord and his power? (See 1 Kings 18:45.) How can we more fully acknowledge the Lord and his power? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Alma 34:38; Moroni 7:33–39.)
  
  

   Interesting story: 

  A few weeks ago, I woke in the morning and before doing anything else, I opened my computer I had left on the hearth in the bedroom.  I was checking my e mail for some reason, when I suddenly realized that I was kneeling before my computer!  My first thought had been about my e mail.  I was shocked into awareness that I had an idol before me and that I was, in a sense, worshiping it.  My first thought in the day was about e mail and not about the only true God.  I have been repenting ever since!
  
  What is our first thought in the morning and our last thought at night? Is it about God, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, or are we preoccupied with things "of the world"?
  Are we caught up in idolatry? Good self-evaluation question...
  
  

  Elijah is comforted by the Holy Ghost and instructed to continue in God’s work. 1 Kings 19

  Angry about Elijah’s victory over the priests of Baal, Jezebel sought to kill him. Elijah fled into the wilderness and cried to the Lord, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life” (1 Kings 19:4). The Lord blessed Elijah by sending an angel with food and water. You may want to point out that even prophets can experience despair and need the comfort and guidance that only God can provide.
• Why was Elijah discouraged? (See 1 Kings 19:10, 14. Despite the people’s response to God’s spectacular display of power, Elijah felt that he was the only Israelite left who worshiped the true God.) What did he do to gain peace? (See 1 Kings 19:4, 8. He prayed and fasted.) What can we learn from Elijah’s experience to help us if we feel discouraged, depressed, or despairing?
• How did God comfort Elijah on Mount Horeb? (See 1 Kings 19:9–13.) What can we learn from this about how God communicates with us? Why do you think God communicates more often through the “still small voice” of the Holy Ghost than through loud and spectacular displays of power? How can we discern the whisperings of the Holy Ghost?
  When a news reporter asked President Hinckley how he communicates with God, the prophet responded, “I think the best way I could describe the process is to liken it to the experience of Elijah as set forth in the book of First Kings. Elijah spoke to the Lord, and there was a wind, a great wind, and the Lord was not in the wind. And there was an earthquake, and the Lord was not in the earthquake. And there was a fire, and the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still, small voice, which I describe as the whisperings of the Spirit” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 71; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 51).
  President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Do you take time to listen to the promptings of the Spirit? Answers to prayer come most often by a still voice and are discerned by our deepest, innermost feelings. I tell you that you can know the will of God concerning yourselves if you will take the time to pray and to listen” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1977, 46; or Ensign, Nov. 1977, 32).
• Besides being the Comforter, the Holy Ghost is also a teacher (John 14:26; 2 Nephi 32:5). What did the Lord—through the Holy Ghost—instruct Elijah to do? (See 1 Kings 19:15–16.) How can serving the Lord help us when we are discouraged?
• One way the Lord comforted Elijah was by telling him that there were still many Israelites who had not adopted the worship of Baal (1 Kings 19:18). How can fellowship with other faithful Latter-day Saints comfort us? What influences do you have around you that help you know you are not alone? What can you do to help others when they feel alone?

 The legacy of Elijah

"The deep impression Elijah made upon the life of the Israelites is indicated in the fixed belief that prevails that he will return, as spoken of in Malachi 4:5. References in the New Testament show that many mistook Jesus for Elijah returned.  Among the Jews he is still an invited guest at the passover, for whom a vacant seat is reserved and the door is opened.
As a result of Elijah's ministry, Baal worship was greatly reduced as a threat to Israel.
We learn from latter-day revelation that Elijah held the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood and was the last prophet to do so before the time of Jesus Christ.
As demonstrated by his miraculous deeds, the power of Elijah is the sealing power of the priesthood by which things bound or loosed on earth are bound or loosed in heaven. Thus the keys of this power are once again operative on the earth and are used in performing all the ordinances of the gospel for the living and the dead." Bible Dictionary

Lesson 29: “He Took Up … the Mantle of Elijah”

Old Testament Class Member Study Guide, (2001), 20

Study the following scriptures:

1. a. 
   2 Kings 2:1–18. Elijah prepares Elisha to become the new prophet (2:1–10). Elijah is taken up into heaven. Elisha takes up Elijah’s mantle and becomes the prophet (2:11–15). Fifty men search for Elijah for three days despite Elisha’s counsel (2:16–18).
2. b. 
   2 Kings 5. Elisha heals Naaman of leprosy (5:1–14). Naaman praises God and offers Elisha a reward, which Elisha declines (5:15–19).
3. c. 
   2 Kings 6:8–18. Elisha guides the king of Israel in a war with Syria (6:8–10). The king of Syria commands his men to capture Elisha, and the army surrounds the city of Dothan (6:11–14). Unafraid, Elisha prays, and the Lord reveals a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire, then smites the Syrian army with blindness (6:15–18).

What can the story of Naaman teach us about following the counsel of the prophet—even when we may not like or understand it or when it may be about small or simple matters? What are some of the small, simple things we have been asked to do by the prophet or other Church leaders? Why are these things sometimes hard to do? How can we increase our willingness to follow the counsel of Church leaders?

 What did Elisha mean when he told his servant, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them”? (2 Kings 6:16). How have you seen that Elisha’s statement is still true today?

Lesson 27: The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders

Lesson 27: The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders

Reading 1 – 1 Kings 11:42-43

Reading 2 – 1 Kings 12:1-4

Reading 3 – 1 Kings 12:6-7

Mosiah 2:12-14

Reading 4 – 1 Kings 12:8-11

Reading 5 – 1 Kings 12:12-20

Matthew 12:25

1 Kings 11:38

1 Kings 14:22-23

Alma 46:9

Reading 6 – 2 Chronicles 17:3-6

Reading 7 – 2 Chronicles 17:7-9

Reading 8 - President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 44)

Reading 9 – 2 Chronicles 20:3-13

2 Chronicles 20:14-17

2 Chronicles 20:20-23

Lesson 26 - King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness - Scriptures and Quotes

Lesson 26 - King Solomon: Man of Wisdom, Man of Foolishness

Reading 1 - Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. … But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 12).

Reading 2 – 1 Kings 1:32-35,39

Reading 3 – 1 Kings 3:5-13

3 Nephi 13:33

Reading 4 - President John Taylor wrote:  "David took no step without enquiring of the Lord. Solomon also, acted as a priest as well as a king; and it is said of him, that Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father. And the Lord gave him wisdom, and instructed him in the affairs of the kingdom. When he prayed unto the Lord, and asked of him wisdom, God granted him the desire of his heart, and gave him with wisdom, riches and honor." (The Government of God, pp62-63)

Elder James E. Talmage:  "When the Jews marveled at the wisdom of Christ, He told them of a very simple yet effective way of obtaining, each for himself, knowledge of supreme worth. 'My doctrine is not mine,' said He, 'but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself' (John 7:16, 17)." (The Vitality of Mormonism, p76)

Reading 5 – 1 Kings 3:16-27

Reading 6 – 1 Kings 5:1-6, 17-18

Elder James E. Talmage wrote:  "Soon after Solomon's accession to the throne he set about the labor, which, as heritage and honor, had come to him with his crown. He laid the foundation in the fourth year of his reign, and the building was completed within seven years and a half. With the great wealth accumulated by his kingly father and specifically reserved for the building of the Temple, Solomon was able to put the known world under tribute, and to enlist the co-operation of nations in his great undertaking. The temple workmen numbered scores of thousands, and every department was in charge of master craftsmen. To serve on the great structure in any capacity was an honor; and labor acquired dignity never before recognized. Masonry became a profession, and the graded orders therein established have endured until this day. The erection of the Temple of Solomon was an epoch-making event, not alone in the history of Israel, but in that of the world." (The House of the Lord, pp5-6)

Reading 7 – Brother Breck England has written: The most sacred feature of the temple was the “oracle,” the “house within,” set off from the rest of the temple by a veil and a partition. “And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord. And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold” (6:19-20).

Built in the shape of a cube to signify perfection, shining with gold to represent the celestial world, the “house within” was known as debir in Hebrew, a word that means “speaking place.” We translate it into English as “oracle.” Here, the Lord Himself would speak. Just outside the oracle room stood a great lamp with seven candlesticks known as the seneh in Hebrew, a word that is probably related to the word “Sinai.” This lamp represented the burning bush on Mount Sinai where Moses met with the Lord Jehovah. Thus, the temple was the principal place of revelation for ancient Israel.

It can be the same for us today. The oracles of God we need as individuals and in our stewardships in our families and in our callings can be found in the temple. It is true that God hears our prayers and gives us revelations no matter where we are, but the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote that the temple is uniquely “for your oracles in your most holy places wherein you receive conversations” (D&C 124:39).

Reading 8 – 1 Kings 8:1,6,9-11

Reading 9 - President Ezra Taft Benson said: “In the peace of these lovely temples, sometimes we find solutions to the serious problems of life. Under the influence of the Spirit, sometimes pure knowledge flows to us there. Temples are places of personal revelation. When I have been weighed down by a problem or a difficulty, I have gone to the House of the Lord with a prayer in my heart for answers. These answers have come in clear and unmistakable ways” (“What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children about the Temple,” Ensign, Aug. 1985, 8).

1 Kings 10:24-25

1 Kings 10:18-20

Reading 10 - 1 Kings 11:1-8

1 Kings 11:9-14

Reading 11 – 2 Nephi 9:28:30

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: “How … do we prevent our strengths from becoming our downfall? The quality we must cultivate is humility. Humility is the great protector. Humility is the antidote against pride. Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Through the prophet Moroni, the Lord gave us this great insight into the role of humility: ‘I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them’ (Ether 12:27).

“We might also say that if men and women humble themselves before God, he will help them prevent their strengths from becoming weaknesses that the adversary can exploit to destroy them. …

“… If we are humble and teachable, hearkening to the commandments of God, the counsel of his leaders, and the promptings of his Spirit, we can be guided in how to use our spiritual gifts, our accomplishments, and all of our other strengths for righteousness. And we can be guided in how to avoid Satan’s efforts to use our strengths to cause our downfall.

“In all of this, we should remember and rely on the Lord’s direction and promise: ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)” (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 19).

Lesson 24: “Create in Me a Clean Heart” – Scriptures and Quotes

Lesson 24: “Create in Me a Clean Heart” – Scriptures and Quotes

Reading 1 – 2 Samuel 11:1-5

Reading 2 - President Spencer W. Kimball:  "As a man thinketh, so does he. If he thinks about it long enough he is likely to do it, whether it be theft, moral sin, or suicide. Thus the time to protect against the calamity is when the the thought begins to shape itself. Destroy the seed and the plant will never grow. Man...can change his thought pattern and become the architect of his destiny." (Miracle of Forgiveness, p114)

Reading 3 – 2 Samuel 11: 6-13

Reading 4 - Elder Richard G. Scott said: “Do not take comfort in the fact that your transgressions are not known by others. That is like an ostrich with his head buried in the sand. He sees only darkness and feels comfortably hidden. In reality he is ridiculously conspicuous. Likewise our every act is seen by our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son. They know everything about us. …

“If you have seriously transgressed, you will not find any lasting satisfaction or comfort in what you have done. Excusing transgression with a cover-up may appear to fix the problem, but it does not. The tempter is intent on making public your most embarrassing acts at the most harmful time. Lies weave a pattern that is ever more confining and becomes a trap that Satan will spring to your detriment” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 103; or Ensign, May 1995, 77).

Reading 5 – 2 Samuel 11:14-17

Reading 6 – Doctrine and Covenants 132:39

Reading 7 – 2 Samuel 12:1-4

Reading 8 – 2 Samuel 12:5-12

Reading 9 - President Marion G. Romney:  "David,...though highly favored of the Lord (he was, in fact, referred to as a man after God's own heart), yielded to temptation. His unchastity led to murder, and as a consequence, he lost his families and his exaltation." (Ensign, May 1979, p42)

Psalms 51:1-3

Psalms 51:9-10

Doctrine and Covenants 58:42

Reading 10 – Psalms 51:16-17