First Class

The first class of institute was foundational, setting the environment, which I feel is pretty fast pace. You will be given a notebook, which you may not even need to carry with you. Lisa will keep it for you. She provides everything.

The founding doctrines of Institute this year was the discussion of how we can have knowledge of the Plan of Salvation bless our lives. "^aTruth is ^bknowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;" (D&C 93:24) How does this knowledge bless us, and how can have more blesses for exercising faith more fully in the fullness of the restored Gospel. 

The knowledge of God, the Atonement, and the Plan of Salvation is an anchor to the souls, for the world is a tempest. If we get relaxed in keeping the commandments, the tides and  winds can carry us to forbidden places.  We can know who we are, why we are here, where we are from and going. Elder Neal A. Maxwell said in the Ensign of MAY 1984:

So much more than a matter of abstract theology, this great plan can focus daily life. Its truths are crucial to how we see ourselves, others, life, the Lord, and even the universe. Or how we view a baby. Or death. Or the praise and honors of the world. This plan constitutes the mother lode of meaning and can cradle us, conceptually, amid any concern. 

Scriptures to look at

Plan of Mercy                 Plan of Happiness                 Plan of Redemption

Alma 42:15                     Alma 42:8,16                        2 Nephi 9:6-13

2 Nephi 11:5                                                                 Alma 34:8-16

*Alma 24:14                                                                 Alma 42:5-26

*Alma 34:16                                                                 Hebrews 5:8-9

*Alma 42:13                                                                                        !

“We mortals have a limited view of life from the eternal perspective. But if we know and understand Heavenly Father’s plan, we realize that dealing with adversity is one of the chief ways we are tested. Our faith in our Heavenly Father and his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is the source of inner strength. Through faith we can find peace, comfort, and the courage to endure. As we trust in God and his plan for our happiness with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding (see Prov. 3:5), hope is born. Hope grows out of faith and gives meaning and purpose to all we do. It can give us comfort in the face of adversity, strength in times of trial, and peace when we have reason for doubt or anguish.” M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, May 1995, 22