God is at the Helm Elder M. Russell Ballard Family Night Lesson
Opening song: Master, the Tempest is Raging Hymn #105
Opening prayer: by invitation
Family Night Lesson: Taken from the General Conference Talk God is at the Helm by M. Russell Ballard
What in the Old Ship Zion should we cling to?
President Brigham Young said: “We are on the old ship Zion. … [God] is at the helm and will stay there. … He dictates, guides and directs. If the people will have implicit confidence in their God, never forsake their covenants nor their God, He will guide us right.”
The Church of Jesus Christ has always been led by living prophets and apostles.
It has always been a challenge for the world to accept living prophets and apostles, but it is so essential to do so in order to fully understand the Atonement and the teachings of Jesus Christ and to receive a fullness of the blessings of the priesthood that are given to those He has called.
- How can our Family follow the Prophet?
- What has the Prophet asked of us?
Get Your Free Old Ship Zion Straw Topper
"Always a treat we have is store" is always has more impact when it relates to the lesson.
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A second truth is the doctrine of the plan of salvation.
We need to teach our children where we came from, our purpose here on earth, and where we are going when we die. Our Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. His work and glory is that we return and live with Him forever. That is why he has given us commandments. So we can be kept safe.
- How do commandments help us become more like our Father in Heaven?
- How does the Plan of Salvation bring us peace during hard times?
Another key truth in the Church is that Heavenly Father created Adam and Eve for a lofty purpose. It was their charge—and, subsequently, the charge of their posterity—to create mortal bodies for God’s spirit children so they could experience mortality.
We are on this mortal earth with our physical bodies so we can learn and grow. He also sent Apostles and Prophets to teach us about our Savior who is central to the plan of Happiness.
- How does knowing who we are help us return to live with our Heavenly Father?
- How can each of us become better acquainted with our Savior Jesus Christ?
Another important doctrine that we should cling to is to observe the Sabbath day. This helps us remain unspotted from the world, provides us with physical rest, and gives each of us the spiritual refreshment of worshipping the Father and the Son every Sunday. When we delight in the Sabbath day, it is a sign of our love for Them.
The Sabbath is a day for renewing our covenants we have made at baptism. We can take time to repent and come unto Christ. The Sabbath is a chance to show our Father in Heaven and our Savior our commitment and love for them.
- How can our family draw closer to our Savior on Sunday?
Now, as we ponder just these few truths that exist within the Old Ship Zion, let us stay on board and remember that, by definition, a ship is a vehicle, and the purpose of a vehicle is to take us to a destination.
It is the Church wherein we learn the works of God and accept the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that saves us. It is within the Church that we form the commitments and covenants of eternal families that become our passport to exaltation. It is the Church that is powered by the priesthood to propel us through the unpredictable waters of mortality.
Close by inviting your children and family members to bear their testimony. End with your testimony on the principals taught tonight such as following the prophet, the plan of happiness, and the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy.
Closing Prayer: by invitation
Activity: Making Paper Boats and racing them. I found a great site where they teach you how to make a paper boat.
Treat Suggestion: Root beer Floats
Print out these Straw Sails for your Root Beer Floats. I love to print my printables on card stock. Cut out each sail and with a hole punch make a circle for your straw. Place it in your Root Beer Float.
This lesson is just an outline for your family night. As you study the talk feel free to expand on a subject that would fit your family’s needs. Use these questions to start a discussion with your family. Be sure you give your children a chance to share their testimony and thoughts on the principals being taught. Of course with small children keep things simple and short.
Thanks for reading my blog! I hope your family enjoys these free printables for your family night! For more General Conference Talk FHE lessons click on the Family Night Tag below!
Straighten Up and Fly Right
The Music of the Gospel
Linking up at Friday Finds!
