Teachings for Our Time, 2003

Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society meetings on fourth Sundays are to be devoted to “Teachings for Our Time.” Each year the First Presidency determines 10 subjects with designated resource materials to be used in these meetings. Following are the subjects and designated resources for 2003. Two additional subjects are to be selected by stake or district presidencies.

Discussions in fourth-Sunday meetings should be based on one or perhaps two of the designated resources that best address the needs and circumstances of quorum or class members; teachers need not use all of the resources. Leaders and instructors are encouraged to make these meetings discussions, not lectures or presentations. They should consider ways to stimulate quorum and class members to apply the principles of the discussion. Suggestions on preparing and conducting quorum or class discussions are found in Teaching, No Greater Call and the Teaching Guidebook.

1. Hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Matthew 27:11–61; Luke 22:39–46; John 20:1–22; Alma 34:8–18; 42; D&C 19:1–20.

James E. Faust, “The Atonement: Our Greatest Hope,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 19–22.

Dallin H. Oaks, “The Gospel in Our Lives,” Liahona, July 2002, 36–39.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “‘Follow Me,’” Liahona, July 2002, 15–18.

“The Atonement,” chapter 12 in Gospel Principles.

2. The Purpose of Tithes and Offerings

Malachi 3:8–12; D&C 64:23; 119:1–4; 120:1.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Walk by Faith,” Liahona, July 2002, 80–82.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘Like a Watered Garden,’” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 37–39.

“Tithes and Offerings,” chapter 32 in Gospel Principles.

3. Prayer

Matthew 6:9–13; 7:7; Alma 7:23; D&C 93:49.

Thomas S. Monson, “They Pray and They Go,” Liahona, July 2002, 54–57.

James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Liahona, July 2002, 62–69.

Henry B. Eyring, “Prayer,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 16–19.

“Individual and Family Prayer,” lesson 34 in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part B.

4. Be of Good Cheer

John 14:27; 16:33; 2 Nephi 4:16–35; 10:23; D&C 78:17–22.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Look to Christ,” Liahona, July 2002, 101–2.

Thomas S. Monson, “Now Is the Time,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 68–71.

M. Russell Ballard, “The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom,” Liahona, July 2002, 98–101.

“Faith in Jesus Christ,” chapter 18 in Gospel Principles.

5. Loving and Strengthening Our Neighbors

Matthew 22:35–40; Luke 22:31–32; Mosiah 23:15; D&C 88:123–125; 108:7.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Reaching Down to Lift Another,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 60–67.

Boyd K. Packer, “Children,” Liahona, July 2002, 7–10.

M. Russell Ballard, “Doctrine of Inclusion,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 40–43.

“Love, Charity, and Service,” lesson 8 in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A.

6. Walking by Faith

Hebrews 11; Alma 32:16–23; Ether 12:4–22, 27.

Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Walk by Faith,” Liahona, July 2002, 80–82.

David B. Haight, “Faith of Our Prophets,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 24–27.

Russell M. Nelson, “How Firm Our Foundation,” Liahona, July 2002, 83–86.

“Faith in Jesus Christ,” lesson 1 in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A.

7. Doing Our Best for the Lord

Matthew 25:14–30; Mosiah 3:19; 5:12–13; D&C 76:50–70.

James E. Faust, “‘Some Great Thing,’” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 53–56.

Neal A. Maxwell, “Consecrate Thy Performance,” Liahona, July 2002, 39–42.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “One Step after Another,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 27–30.

“Building the Kingdom of God,” lesson 35 in Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B.

8. Be Not Easily Offended

Luke 15:11–32; 1 Corinthians 12:1–27; 2 Nephi 26:24–28; 3 Nephi 11:28–30.

Thomas S. Monson, “Hidden Wedges,” Liahona, July 2002, 19–22.

Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Other Prodigal,” Liahona, July 2002, 69–72.

“Extending and Receiving Forgiveness,” lesson 33 in Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B.

9. Strengthening New Converts

Matthew 25:31–46; Luke 15; Mosiah 2:17.

Richard G. Scott, “Full Conversion Brings Happiness,” Liahona, July 2002, 26–28.

Henry B. Eyring, “True Friends,” Liahona, July 2002, 29–32.

“Fellowshipping: A Priesthood Responsibility,” lesson 10 in Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B.

10. Living by the Spirit

Genesis 37; 39–45.

L. Tom Perry, “Becoming Men in Whom the Spirit of God Is,” Liahona, July 2002, 42–45.

Robert D. Hales, “Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” Liahona, July 2002, 77–80.

“The Gift of the Holy Ghost,” lesson 4 in The Latter-day Saint Woman, Part A.