Sunday Report

Sunday's lesson was Chapter 26 Sacrifice given by Sharon Pringle. 

Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, talents, possessions and energies to help build the Kingdom of God.  Our willingness to sacrifice indicates our devotion to God and our willingness to put the things of God first in our lives.  The Law of Sacrifice was practiced anciently from the time of Adam until the coming of Jesus Christ.  The sacrifice of the firstlings of the flock was in the similitude of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ as He performed the great Atonement so necessary to Heavenly Father's plan.  It was meant to remind the covenant people of the promised Messiah who would come to serve as a sacrifice for our sins. 

With His Atoning sacrifice completed , the Lord's people were no longer required to sacrifice by the shedding of blood.  Instead the Lord instituted the ordinance of the sacrament to remind us of the His sacrifice, and then asked that we would bring to Him a different kind of offering:  a broken heart and a contrite spirit, showing our deep sorrow for our sins and our humble repentance and intention to do better. 

Then we are to become living sacrifices to the Lord by being willing to give everything that we have for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-to build up the kingdom of God  and bring forth Zion.  Just as Abraham was asked to offer up his son Isaac to the Lord, and with great faith was willing to do it, so we must be willing to do the things that are asked of us.  As we remember the great sacrifices of the early Saints of the Lord's day and the Saints of the early days of the Restoration, we see that much was asked of them and of some even their lives were required for the faith that they had embraced. 

It is only through sacrifice that we can become worthy to live in the presence of God and enjoy eternal life.  We may not be asked to sacrifice all things, but we should be willing to sacrifice everything for such a great reward.

Next Week Sister Cline will be teaching Chapter 27 Work and Personal Responsibility

Have a great week!

The Relief Society Presidency