Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth
Neil L. Andersen, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Andersen emphasizes the strengthening power of temple attendance in tumultuous times.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking class members to share their favorite temple experiences and why they hold them dear.
- Start with a discussion about the recent increase in temple constructions worldwide and what it means to the members.
- Invite participants to share the blessings they have received from attending the temple.
- Open the lesson by singing a hymn about temples, such as "I Love to See the Temple" or "The House of the Lord", and discuss its meaning.
Topics
Understanding the Significance of Temples in the Last Days
Elder Andersen discusses the importance of temples in the last days, where there is predicted distress and confusion. He emphasizes that temples are a source of strength and blessing for the Saints amid worldly turmoil and temptations.
Why is the Lord now bringing hundreds of His temples closer to us? One reason is that amid the turmoil and temptations of the world, He has promised to strengthen and bless His covenant Saints, and His promises are being fulfilled!
- Why do you think the Lord is hastening the work of temple construction in these latter days?
- How have temples been a source of strength and blessing for you during difficult times?
- What role do temples play in preparing us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
- How can we help others understand the importance of temples in these last days?
- How does temple worship help us resist worldly distractions and temptations?
Receiving Strength and Protection through Temple Worship
Elder Andersen explains how attending the temple arms Saints with the power of God, strengthens their faith, and offers protection from worldly temptations. He emphasizes the spiritual assurances and blessings that come from faithfully worshiping in the house of the Lord.
In His house, we are literally endowed with heavenly power. Our faith in Jesus Christ and our love for Him are confirmed and fortified. We are spiritually assured of our true identity and the purposes of life. As we are faithful, we are blessed with protection from temptations and distractions. We feel our Savior’s love as He lifts us from our difficulties and sorrows. We are armed with the power of God.
- What does it mean to be "armed with the power of God" through temple worship?
- How has your faith been confirmed and fortified through temple attendance?
- How does the temple help us understand our true identity and the purposes of life?
- In what ways has temple worship helped you overcome difficulties and sorrows?
- How can we help others receive the power and blessings that come from temple worship?
Taking the Name of Jesus Christ upon Us
Elder Andersen highlights the importance of taking the name of Jesus Christ upon us, a sacred covenant made in the temple. He shares inspiring stories of youth showing their commitment to Christ and the temple.
In His holy house, we take His name more completely upon us. When we are baptized, we profess our belief in Him and our willingness to keep His commandments. In the temple, we sacredly promise, through our covenants, to follow Him forever.
- What does it mean to take the name of Jesus Christ upon us more completely in the temple?
- How have you seen the blessings of making and keeping temple covenants in your life?
- How can we help the youth understand the importance of taking upon themselves the name of Christ?
- What are some ways we can show our commitment to Christ and the temple in our daily lives?
- How have temple covenants helped you in your journey of discipleship?
Experiencing Angelic Intervention and Receiving the Holy Ghost
Elder Andersen discusses the blessings of angelic intervention and the companionship of the Holy Ghost that come through temple worship. He shares personal experiences to illustrate these blessings.
Regularly performing ordinances for our ancestors in the temple brings a sweet and sure confirmation that life continues beyond the veil. ... But be assured: angels do have charge over us! ... As we come with willing hearts to the house of the Lord, the most holy place on earth, we grow up in the Lord and can “receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.”
- How does temple work for our ancestors bring us closer to them and to God?
- Can you share an experience where you felt the influence of angels or the Holy Ghost in the temple?
- How does temple worship help us receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost?
- What can we do to prepare ourselves to receive the blessings of angelic intervention and the Holy Ghost in the temple?
- How has the promise of angelic protection influenced your perspective on temple worship?
Additional Discussion Questions
- How can we make temple worship a more regular part of our lives?
- What are some obstacles that might prevent us from attending the temple regularly, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we help those who are preparing to receive their endowment understand the blessings that come from temple worship?
- In what ways can we support the construction and maintenance of temples worldwide?
- How can we cultivate a greater love and appreciation for temple worship in our families?
- What are some ways we can maintain the spirit of the temple in our daily lives, even when we cannot attend regularly?
- How does understanding the eternal nature of families influence our perspective on temple work?
- How can temple worship help us better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- What can we do to prepare ourselves spiritually before attending the temple?
- How does temple worship deepen our understanding of the plan of salvation?
