And Their Names Were Taken

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[Seminary-Notes] ==================================== FOR YOUR INFORMATION... ==================================== The Old Testament book of Numbers is a record of the census, of ancient Israel. Before anyone can be counted, though, they must first be found. Moroni 6:4 states: "And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith." Before these people were able to be "nourished by the good word of Christ" (which we hope will happen each morning in Seminary), they first had to have "their names... taken" so that they "might be remembered" and "keep them in the right way." In the October 1996 General Conference, Elder William Rolfe Kerr added: "The Savior taught us this principle in the parable of the lost sheep. As the shepherd left the ninety and nine and searched until the lost sheep was found, so also are we to go after him who is lost and continue the search until he is found. (See Matt. 18:12-14.) And once found, our work is not done until we bring him safely home, rejoicing. This is the objective of the gospel of Jesus Christ and must be the objective of all the programs and activities of the Church—-to bring the children of our Father in Heaven home, and home to stay." -- Ensign, November 1996, p. 80 Summer is a great time to work with your bishopric and ward membership clerk to ensure that everyone who should be enrolled in Seminary has been identified and invited. Also, be on the lookout throughout the year when new families with teenage children move into your ward. Best wishes, Ken www.KenAlford.com ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com