Preparing Our Families For The Second Coming

Book of Mormon Marriage And Family Study

We are living in the eleventh hour before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ! Our children must understand why they are here on this earth, and not devote their lives to mindless and shallow things.

We don’t have time to waste. We need to be prepared both temporally and spiritually for the Second Coming. However, it is not the Lord’s actual return we need to worry about. As Elder Lund says, it is the Saturday night bath (i.e. cleansing) we need to prepare for.

We need to prepare our families temporally. Many calamities will fall upon us that will cause overwhelming distress. For example, the Lord specifically says a famine is coming.

“And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth.” D&C 29:16

This Section (29) describes other serious things that will happen during the Saturday night bath. Here are some more;

• “to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked.” Vs 8
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• “For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be bas stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth.” Vs 9
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• The hosts of men will weep and wail. Vs 15
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• God will take vengeance upon the wicked. Vs 15
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• Flies will consume our flesh and maggots come out of us. Vs 18
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• Flesh fall from our bones and eyes fall out of our sockets. Vs 19
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• “And the great and abominable church, (anyone who opposes Christ) which is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire,….for abominations shall not reign.” Vs 21

Obviously, God will not destroy everyone! However, living through the time of cleansing and destruction will catch many by complete surprise and they will not be ready for it. They could easily be traumatized.

We must prepare our families and our children for this.

In a couple of classes about the Second Coming Elder Lund taught how Matthew 25 can prepared us for the Second Coming and summarized the three parables with these main ideas:

1. Watch and wait: Parable of the 10 Virgins.
2. Work for the master: Parable of the talents.
3. Serve or not serve the master: Parable of the sheep and goats.

The Parable of The 10 Virgins

The interesting thing about this story is the half not prepared knew the customs and cultures of the marriage celebrations. They knew approximately when the bridegroom would begin the parade to his bride. They were not prepared because they were casual and lazy. The scriptures and the Apostles teach very clearly that Jesus Christ will return. His Second Coming is a major tenant of our faith, and we are counseled to watch for the signs.

The signs are here!

Spiritual preparation is the most important. Our charge is to use the gospel to purify our lives so we can dwell in the presence of Jesus Christ. The City of Enoch will eventually descend to join us on earth and the Lord will be there at least sometimes. And this is before His actual Second Coming. Additionally, the spiritual preparation is the most important because it will give you peace of mind when everyone not prepared will be distressed with perplexity. Temporally, if you are prepared you might be only one on your street with food to eat.

The Parable Of The Talents

A master gave different talents to a group of servants and left. Some were good stewards of their talents and expanded them. They used the talents to build the kingdom of God and bless others. However, one did not and was condemned.

The lesson is clear! Our purpose on this earth is to redeem others spiritually and temporally. Our purpose is to increase our talents to be a benefit to our fellowman. Imagine the bonding a family could have if they took up something like pottery together or woodworking for the males and fiber crafts such as quilting and afghans for the girls, instead of the many things we waste our time with.

The Parable of The Sheep And Goats

Satan teaches a damaging lie that corrupts many. He says God will save everyone based on His perfect love. Satan teaches there is no Devil and it doesn’t matter what you do. He teaches that you can sin all you want with no consequences.

This parable says some will be shut out. There will be a sifting! God will separate the righteous from the wicked.

If you live in the Salt Lake City valley, I invite you to join us at church on Sunday's at 1 p.m. We are a mid-singles ward; however, if you have a family please don't let that stop you. Please, join us for for our first meeting which is Sacrament meeting, and make sure you ask someone to introduce you to our ward mission leader. Our address is 7155 South 540 East, Midvale Utah, 84047.