We are Witnesses

1. We are Witnesses www.kevinhinckley.com

2. 1831 Ye hear of wars Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land. And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless— Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high; And from thence, whosoever I will, shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand. (D&C 38) And that ye might escape gathered unto me go to the Ohio you shall be endowed with power shall do forth among all nations

3. Book of Acts Written by Luke Written to Theophilus Second Book in the series, the first being the Gospel of Luke Written to the gentiles, especially the Greeks Focuses on the resurrection, the Holy Ghost and its effects on early church.

4. Acts The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do a teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen; When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

5. Question What kind of things can occur when we witness without power?

6. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it rested upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  Power Given

7. From the Kirtland Temple Dedicatory Prayer Let it be fulfilled upon [the Saints], as upon those on the day of Pentecost; let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof. And let thy house be filled, as with a rushing mighty wind, with thy glory. Put upon thy servants the testimony of the covenant, that when they go out and proclaim thy word they may seal up the law, and prepare the hearts of thy saints for all those judgments thou art about to send, in thy wrath, upon the inhabitants of the earth, because of their transgressions, that thy people may not faint in the day of trouble. (D&C 109)

8. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it rested upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  'Brother George A. Smith arose and began to prophesy,' the Prophet recorded, 'when a noise was heard like the sound of a rushing mighty wind, which filled the Temple, and all the congregation simultaneously arose, being moved upon by an invisible power; many began to speak in tongues and prophesy; others saw glorious visions; and I beheld the Temple was filled with angels, which fact I declared to the congregation. The people of the neighborhood came running together (hearing an unusual sound within, and seeing a bright light like a pillar of fire resting upon the Temple), and were astonished at what was taking place.' (History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 428.) Power Given

9. Peter and John Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the ninth hour, for prayer. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple. Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms. And Peter and John, fastening their eyes upon him, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up; and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (Acts 3)

10. Question Do we sometimes think we are just “blending in”; that we have very little to offer to others? In those “silver and gold” moments, do you have something to give?

11. Harold B. Lee On the west wall of the great Salt Lake Temple, underneath the center spires, is a symbolic representation of the constellation of stars known as "The Dipper" with the pointers pointing to the north star, which was said by the architect of the temple to represent the great truth that through the priesthood of God the lost may find their way. (Stand Ye in Holy Places, 251)

12. Who needs our help? A psychologist writes: I remember a family that…were active in the Church, had several children, and had worked diligently to teach them the gospel. However, one of their daughters, a beautiful, queenly girl, began sampling life with a group who did not live up to her standards. She began accepting drinks at parties, and one thing led to another. Before long, she became pregnant. She said that her first thoughts were mercilessly accusing: “Ruined. Why try anymore? No good man is going to want you. Enjoy life while you can. Drop out of school. You’re not going to need an education anymore. Keep your baby and teach her that life is unfair and cruel and that only way to survive is to look out for number one. Don’t provide your baby with a father. Teach her to hate men. You’re not worthy to attend Church anymore. Stay away from the bishop. He’ll only use you as an example to the other girls of how not to be. You don’t need that. Come to the single’s bar where you can really be appreciated. There is work for you there, money to be made, great times ahead. Ron Zirker (Parents and Teens)