Aquia Gospel Doctrine

Read through Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s October 2014 General Conference address, “Are We Not All Beggars” (You can also choose to watch/listen to him deliver it). Afterward, ponder upon the teachings from Elder Holland, and the commands in Deuteronomy 24:18-24 & Deuteronomy 26:12-15. Answer/Discuss the following questions: How are we to view ourselves in relation to the poor or destitute? How important is attention to those vulnerable in society as it relates to our prosperity? How are we to know who the poor, the widow, the alien/immigrant, the orphan even are? In January of 1839, when organizing the exodus of the saints from Missouri, Brigham Young stated that “It is the duty of those who have, to assist those who have not” - how can we best incorporate that duty into our life? What does that look like in the 21st century?

“In the priesthood leadership session of a regional conference, we sang the hymn “Ye Elders of Israel.” The chorus contains a line “O Babylon, O Babylon, we bid thee farewell.” Following the singing, Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke and expressed the thought that bidding Babylon farewell is actually one of our challenges, that too many of us like to keep a summer cottage there. We cannot keep one foot in the Church and one foot in the world.” Elder Larry W. Gibbons “Wherefore, Settle This in Your Hearts”  October 2006 General Conference Lesson 16 introduces us to Balaam, the non-Israelite prophet, who was called upon by Balak and the Moabites to curse Israel. Reflecting on his experiences found in Numbers 22 - 24, and in connection with the above quote, engage with the following questions: In what ways was Balaam trying to keep one foot “with the Lord” and the other foot “in Babylon?” Why do you think Balaam was attempting this balancing act? Juxtaposing the good inten...