My talk given 3-14-2010 "The Gifts from the Holy Ghost"

A few weeks ago Rodrigo and I gave talks in Sacrament. The assignment was The Gift of the Holy Ghost. I wanted to record for myself and my posterity the things I learned from this assignment. I am posting the talk that I gave below. I have scripture references listed but not the actual scripture in an attempt to encourage those who read it to seek for themselves after these things. Rodrigo will be doing a guest post soon with his talk and thoughts on it.

The Gifts of the Holy Ghost*

*(As I studied I realized that when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost we also receive gifts from the Holy Ghost.)

· The third member of the Godhead. D&C 20:28 What a sacred blessing it is to have the constant companionship of a member of the Godhead as we live worthily.

• Testator – witnesses of the Father, the Son and of all truth.

Moroni 10: 4-5

I was about 10 years old the first time I remember feeling the power of the Holy Ghost. My grandmother was a lover and seeker of truth. She had a great passion for it. A friend of hers, that was a member, stopped in to her work one day to visit with her. During the course of their conversation he asked if he could bring the missionaries to share with her more about the church. She accepted. My sister and I lived with her at the time and were eager to hear these discussions as well. I am not sure the order in which we learned about the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ to the earth but, I will never forget how I felt the first time I heard the story - A young boy of 14 who went to a grove of trees and knelt down in prayer asking God what church he should join. As I heard his testimony of how God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him I was filled with light, joy and the sweetest peace I have ever felt. I knew he had seen God and Jesus Christ and that this young boy was God’s instrument in restoring His church to the earth. I have never doubted it. I hadn’t yet received the “Gift of the Holy Ghost” but I had felt of His power and had received a testimony of not only the Prophet Joseph Smith but that God hears and answers my prayers. He knows me personally by name. I am His child. The testimony I received that night led me to baptism and to receiving this great gift.

• Comforter – gives us peace and consolation in the face of pain and sorrow. When Rodrigo and I were dating we had something we were really worried about. We discussed it and then went our separate ways for the evening. When Rodrigo picked me up the next day he told me about how he had prayed about it and that he had received an overwhelming feeling of peace. He knew everything was going to OK. The circumstances hadn’t changed but the spirit had brought him comfort. John 14:26 One of the great “gifts” of the Holy Ghost is that we can feel peace when we are surrounded by chaos, destruction, war, sorrow, and sin.

“The Holy Ghost confers upon a person the right to receive, as he may desire and need, the presence, light and intelligence of the Holy Ghost. It gives, as it were, an official claim upon the mighty assistance and comforting assurance of the Holy Ghost. When the servants of the Lord display a spiritual power beyond the command of man; when the grief laden heart beats with joy; when failure is converted into victory, it is by visitation of the Holy Ghost.” John A. Widstoe

“Yes, that still small voice, which has so often whispered consolation to my soul, in the depths of sorrow and distress, bade me be of good cheer, and promised deliverance, which gave me great comfort…For although I was troubled on every side, yet [I was] not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” [See 2 Corinthians 4:8-9] – Joseph Smith

• Revelator – D&C 8:2-3 This gift bestows us with the privilege of knowing what path to take and giving us warning when we are in danger.
• Sanctifier – Alma 5:7-9, It is through the Holy Ghost that we can draw on the power of the atonement and be made new. He sanctifies us – changes us.
• Receive the gifts of the spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:31 and D&C 46:8&11. “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts…and to every man is given a gift by the spirit”

One of my good friends is the Gospel Doctrine teacher back in South Carolina and she recently shared something she had discussed in class. She presented the question - What gift of the spirit would I or should I seek to help me be a better mother, daughter, wife, friend? I have pondered this question and have been seeking a specific gift of the spirit to help me in my family calling. It has helped me reach beyond my self to serve beyond my own abilities.

• The Holy Spirit of Promise – He confirms that the priesthood ordinances that we have received and the covenants that we have made are acceptable of God. This approval depends on our continued faithfulness.(True to the Faith)
• Because of the Holy Ghost I know that God lives that Jesus is the Christ His Son, my Savior and Redeemer. That through Him I can be forgiven and live forever with my Father in Heaven and my family. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that we have a prophet upon the earth today. I receive comfort and direction that lead me to all that is good. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen