What is Zion?

The Lord commands us to "seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion" (D&C 6:6). Zion refers to the Lord's people who are of one heart and one mind and dwell together in righteousness. We can establish Zion by building unity and spiritual strength in our homes, wards or branches, and communities.



What are some words that come to mind when you think about Zion?

What does it mean that "Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion"? (Moses 7:69)
Do you think they literally walked with God?
How can we walk with God in our daily lives?
* Reading our scriptures
* serving others
* praying daily
* being a missionary
* being kind
* thinking of others first

How do we flee Babylon and come to Zion?
He called for the elders of His Church to be sent forth across the world to accomplish this gathering, commencing an effort that continues in full vigor today. “And behold, and lo, this shall be their cry, and the voice of the Lord unto all people: Go ye forth unto the land of Zion, that the borders of my people may be enlarged, and that her stakes may be strengthened, and that Zion may go forth unto the regions round about” (D&C 133:9). --Elder Christofferson

How can we build Zion in our Ward? In our Family? In our YW?
Unity
Holiness
Caring for the Poor

After Christ came, the Nephites and Lamanites had a Zion-like community for a long time. In 4 Nephi 1:1-18, it describes this community. What was it like?


Personal Progress: Divine Nature #3--strengthen a relationship with a family member or friend




Resources:

Mosiah 18:21; D&C 38:26–27 (We should seek unity)

1 Nephi 13:37; D&C 6:6 (Seek to bring forth Zion)

4 Nephi 1:1–18 (The Nephites and Lamanites live together in a Zion-like state)

D&C 97:21; Moses 7:18 (What is Zion?)

Henry B. Eyring, “Our Hearts Knit as One,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 68–71

D. Todd Christofferson, “Come to Zion,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 37–40

Bonnie L. Oscarson, “Sisterhood: Oh, How We Need Each Other,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 119–121

“Zion,” True to the Faith (2004), 189–90

“As Sisters in Zion,” Hymns, no. 309

How Does Heavenly Father want me to use my Spiritual Gifts?

What are spiritual gifts?

--"Spiritual gifts are blessings or abilities that are given by the power of the Holy Ghost." (True to the Faith, pg 165)

Some spiritual gifts from the Scriptures:

• Knowledge “that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world” (D&C 46:13).
• The capacity to believe the words of those who testify of Jesus Christ (see D&C 46:14).
• Knowledge of “the differences of administration” (D&C 46:15; see also 1 Corinthians 12:5). This gift is used in administering and leading the Church.
• Knowledge of “the diversities of operations,” which helps us discern whether a teaching or influence comes from God or from some other source (D&C 46:16; see also 1 Corinthians 12:6–7).
• The gift of “the word of wisdom” (1 Corinthians 12:8; D&C 46:17). This does not refer to the law we know as the Word of Wisdom. Rather, it is the gift of wisdom—the ability to use knowledge in righteous ways.
• The gift of “the word of knowledge” (1 Corinthians 12:8; D&C 46:18).
• The ability to teach by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moroni 10:9–10; see also D&C 46:18).
• The gift of faith (see 1 Corinthians 12:9; Moroni 10:11).
• The gift “to have faith to be healed” (D&C 46:19).
• The gift “to have faith to heal” (D&C 46:20; see also 1 Corinthians 12:9; Moroni 10:11).
• “The working of miracles” (1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:21; see also Moroni 10:12).
• The gift of prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; Moroni 10:13; D&C 46:22). John the Beloved taught that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).
• “The beholding of angels and ministering spirits” (Moroni 10:14).
• “Discerning of spirits” (1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:23).
• The gift to speak in different languages, or tongues (see 1 Corinthians 12:10; Moroni 10:15; D&C 46:24).
• The gift of “the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10; D&C 46:25; see also Moroni 10:16).

A few spiritual gifts noted by Elder Bednar in his talk "Quick to Observe."

• Asking
• Listening
• Hearing and using a still, small voice
• Being able to weep
• Avoiding contention
• Being agreeable
• Avoiding vain repetition
• Seeking that which is righteous
• Looking to God for guidance
• Being a disciple
• Caring for others
• Being able to ponder
• Bearing mighty testimony
• Receiving the Holy Ghost
• Being quick to observe

What are some of these gifts you would like to learn more about?

How do I identify my spiritual gifts?

Think about spiritual gifts that others around you posses. Your mom, your sibling, your friend, a teacher. 

Write down as many of your own spiritual gifts as you can. Do it in the back of your journal, and add to the list throughout the year. 

When you are ready, get your Patriarchal Blessing. It will help you identify some of your spiritual gifts. 

Ask a parent, friend, or leader to help you!

Number one best answer: PRAY! Your Heavenly Father wants to tell you what your gifts are. He is so pleased to give them to you, and He wants you to know what they are. This way, you can use them to bless yourself and others. 

How does Heavenly Father want me to use my spiritual gifts?

These videos will give you some ideas:

One:

Two:



Look at your list of spiritual gifts. Write notes next to some of how you can use them to bless others and bring yourself closer to our Heavenly Father.



Scriptures to look at:

• 1 Corinthians 12: 3-27 (examples of Spiritual Gifts)
• Moroni 10:8-18 (examples of Spiritual Gifts)
• D&C 46:13-25 (examples of Spiritual Gifts)
• D&C46:8-10 (Why are we given spiritual gifts?)
• D&C 46:11-12 (Spiritual gifts are given to everyone)
• Articles of Faith 7 (We believe in spiritual gifts)

Some Other Resources:
Talk by President Eyring: "Help Them Aim High."
Talk by Elder Bednar "Quick to Observe."
True to Faith on Spiritual Gifts