GCFHE: The Living Christ

Introduction: Elder Robert D. Hales said, "In recent decades the Church has largely been spared the terrible misunderstandings and persecutions experienced by the early Saints. It will not always be so."  As I re-read this talk that last part struck me so hard.  "It will not always be so."  I felt a tangible witness that this is a prophetic statement, and I need to diligently hearken to his counsel.   He goes on to say, "The world is moving away from the Lord faster and farther than ever before. The adversary has been loosed upon the earth. We watch, hear, read, study, and share the words of prophets to be forewarned and protected. For example, 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World' was given long before we experienced the challenges now facing the family. 'The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles' was prepared in advance of when we will need it most."

This is why I wanted to do an FHE post about "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles."  We started 2013 with an FHE about this and actually set a goal to memorize the document as a family.  We worked on a sentence or two every night at family prayer.  Before the move we had memorized up to the second to last paragraph.  Amidst the chaos of the move, that goal was forgotten.  I am so grateful for this reminder from Elder Hales so we can finish the goal (not necessarily a strong point for us :-)).  Memorization is not a priority to everyone, and I totally acknowledge that.  I also believe that by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass.  A sentence or two a week is all it takes.  Yes, it may take a year, but in the end, the words of that inspired document are embedded in my mind and the minds of my teenagers.  I know that will arm them for many challenges that await them in future days.  It also gives me great solace to repeat it to myself on days when I feel Him distant.  Last night we started the last paragraph!  We just may have to do a big celebration party when we make it!

Lesson:

• Print off The Living Christ for all family members.  http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/testimonies-of-him/articles/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints
• Select a number of pictures from the Gospel Art Picture Kit that illustrate the principles mentioned.  For example, you might choose a picture of Jesus being baptized to go with the sentence about Jesus being baptized, one of Him being crucified, one of Him returning to earth, etc.
• Tape the pictures on the wall in random order.
• Read through The Living Christ as a family and have family members pick out when something is mentioned they see a picture of.  Tape those pictures up in order.
• When you are done, ask a child (or different children for different sections) to go through and tell about the pictures in their own words.  What did they understand the apostles were saying?
• Close with your testimony of Jesus Christ.

2 Nephi 25:26

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”