Announcements...

March 31st, 2013
5th Sunday Lesson (possibly combined)

New Announcements:

• WARD EASTER BREAKFAST, TOMORROW (SATURDAY)!! 9AM @ the NDV park! Come for some breakfast, cookie decorating for the kids, and the Easter bunny! Be sure to invite your family and friends!

Reminders:

• Play dates at the park every Tuesday (North Desert Village) and Friday (South Desert Village), 10am.

• Polls for Gateway Get-up Gals are currently under construction. Please use the tally list in the folders on Sunday.

• Please add a photo of yourself/family to your LDS account & update your profile with your phone number.

Service Opportunities:

• There are no "official" service opportunities at this time, however, there are TONS of opportunities to serve those around you - be sure to check in with the sisters you visit, neighbors, etc. and the Lord will bless you to serve.

Sunday Lesson Summary:

"Converted unto the Lord"  by Elder Bednar

My message focuses upon the relationship between receiving a testimony that Jesus is the Christ and becoming converted to Him and His gospel. Typically, we treat the topics of testimony and conversion separately and independently. However, we gain precious perspective and greater spiritual conviction as we consider these two important subjects together.

Seeking for and obtaining a testimony of spiritual truth requires asking, seeking, and knocking with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in the Savior. Fundamental components of a testimony are knowing that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in these latter days.

The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior’s Atonement. True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ.

Conversion is an enlarging, a deepening, and a broadening of the undergirding base of testimony. It is the result of revelation from God, accompanied by individual repentance, obedience, and diligence. Any honest seeker of truth can become converted by experiencing the mighty change of heart and being spiritually born of God. As we honor the ordinances and covenants of salvation and exaltation “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ”, and endure in faith to the end, we become new creatures in Christ. Conversion is an offering of self, of love, and of loyalty we give to God in gratitude for the gift of testimony.

A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received—with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.