Some different reasons exist as to the need for baptism in the car of our Lord, He being without sin and in need of no repentance. His expression to John was, 'Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteous...Our Lord's baptism 'showeth unto the children of men the straightness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. If even the King of the kingdom could not return to his high state of preexistent exaltation without complying with his own eternal law for admission to that kingdom, how can any man expect a celestial inheritance without an authorized and approved baptism." -Bruce R. McConkie
The Gift of the Holy Ghost
"An intelligent being, in the image of God, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection that is possessed by God himself. But these are possessed by an in his Rudimental state, in a subordinate sense of the word, or, in other words these attributes are in embryo and are to be gradually developed. They resemble a bud, a germ, which gradually develops into bloom and then, by progress, produces the mature fruit after its own kind. The gift of the Holy Ghost adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, taste, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow in the gone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. " -Parley P. Pratt
There are individuals who try to serve God without defending the devil. - Marion G. Romney
Do we, indeed, actually live the gospel, or do we just manifest the appearance of righteousness so that those around us assume we are faithful when, in reality, our hearts and unseen actions are not true to the Lord's teachings? Do we take on only the form of godliness while denying the power thereof? [Joseph Smith] Are we righteous in fact, or do we feign obedience only when we think others are watching? The Lord has made it clear that he will not be fooled by appearances, and he has warned us not to be fast to him or to others. He has cautioned us to be wary of those who project a false front, who put on a bright pretense that hides a darker relality. We know that the Lord looketh on the heart and not on the outward appearance. -Joseph B. Worthlin
Disobedience to the Lord's commandments allows Satan to deceive us, and we forget the light and truth we previously learned. President Henry B. Eyring of the 1st Presidency described this dangerous condition: One of the effects of disobeying God seems to be the creation of just enough anesthetic to block any sensation as the ties to God are being cut. Not only does the testimony of truth slowly erode, but even the memories of what it was like to be in the light begin to seem...like a delusion."
Feasting on the words of Christ compares our willingness to receive the words of Christ with eating a scrumptious meal. We feast upon Christ's words when we desire to obey them. to feasts means more than to taste. To feast means to savor. We savor the scriptures by studying them in a spirit of delightful discovery and faithful obedience. When we feast upon the words of Christ, they are embedded in the fleshy tables of our heart. They become an integral part of our nature. -Elder Russel M. Nelson
One of our roles as members of the church is to declare to others that these are the words of Jesus Christ through his servants. Our main task is to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ and do it effectively. We are not obligated to answer every objection. Every man eventually is backed up the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand. And if they are not he words of Christ, judge ye, said Nephi...Every man must judge for himself, knowing God will hold him accountable. -President Ezra Taft Benson
Why just unto the heart? Individual agency is so sacred that Heavenly Father will never force the human heart, even with all his infinite power...To put it another way, God allows us to be the guardians, or the gatekeepers of our own hearts. We must, of our own free will, open our hearts to the Spirit, for he will not force himself upon us. -Elder Gerald N. Lund
2 Nephi 31:20 Footnote-steadiness, solidity, strong, immovable, grit
Pray to be more aware of the Holy Ghost.
Sacrament-Also think of the blessings available through my covenant relationship with God
~John Taylor letter “the Mormon” 8/29/1857
Micro progress
Don't make gospel topics taboo.
Elder Bednar - linked prayers
The spirit can prompt me in what to pray for.
