"Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only"

In James' general epistle to the Twelve Tribes of Israel he calls men to rejoice in temptation, look to God for direction and be doers of his word.

The fifth verse of the first chapter is a call to all those who are seeking answers, Paul entreats, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him". I love the simplicity in the invitation, just "ask of God". In the church we all know the story of a fourteen year old boy who took this verse to heart and upon entering a quiet grove of trees he asked the Lord for wisdom. If we can all follow the humble example of Joseph Smith and kneel in prayer to our Heavenly Father and ask for his direction he truly will answer our prayers. I have a testimony of this and I know that the Lord hears each of our prayers, and all though we may not be blessed with visions or prophecies or even a direct answer right away, he will answer our prayers. He cares deeply for each of us, he knows us and knows what we need in our life in order for us to become all he wants us to be.

In the Institute Manual the commentary on verse five in a statement from Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985). He states,

" . .. this single verse of scripture has had a greater impact
and a more far reaching effect upon mankind than any
other single sentence ever recorded by any prophet in any
age. It might well be said that the crowning act of the
ministry of James was not his martyrdom for the testimony
of Jesus, but his recitation, as guided by the Holy Ghost, of
these simple words which led to the opening of the heavens
in modern times.
"And it might well be added that every investigator of revealed
truth stands, at some time in the course of his
search, in the place where Joseph Smith stood. He must
turn to the Almighty and gain wisdom from God by revelation
if he is to gain a place on that strait and narrow path
which leads to eternal life." (McConkie, DNTC, 3:246-47.) "

James further defines what it means to "ask in faith" in the following verse when he says, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed". In this verse he teaches the importance of asking with pure intent and with faith that the Lord truly hears and answers prayers; if we doubt the Lord's goodness or even his existence then how can we expect him to provide us with the answers we seek. For me these lines of scripture also remind me that much of the Lord's work is done on the earth by our fellowmen and if we are looking for answers to prayers only coming directly from God we can miss those people he has placed in our path that could help us find our own answer. In verse eight James warns the people against the dangers of being "double minded" or torn between two masters. Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 share the same message. The footnotes for this verse send us to the Topical Guide under integrity and integrity is honesty, righteousness and sincerity in our belief. We must be fully committed to serving our Lord and not be distracted, or be "double minded" in also worshiping those things of the world that will grant us nothing in the eternities. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have done so much for each of us. They have sacrificed son and life so that we may return to live with them again. They deserve our true and dedicated devotion in all things.

Later in the chapter James lists numerous things that all saints should do in order to fully live the gospel of Christ. First he teaches that God does not tempt men, temptation comes from the devil and from giving in to the "natural mans" lusts,  and he calls for all men not to err. Next he asks for all men to be "swift to hear and slow to speak, slow to anger", to put away "all filthiness" and be humble in all things (1:19-21). He calls for us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving [our] own selves" (1:22). Finally he teaches that "pure religion is "undefiled before God and the Father" and that it is to "visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep [ourselves] unspotted from the world"( 1:27). Verse twenty-two and twenty-seven especially are calls for us to be servants who can do the Lords work on the earth for him. We should be humble and submissive in all things we do that our days may be full of service for those less fortunate than ourselves. The footnotes for twenty-seven list the divine attributes of charity, benevolence, good works and welfare. A modern day example of people seeking to help those in need is the church's Helping Hands humanitarian service. These members actively seek to bring relief to those in need and by doing so are truly living their religion. In all the pain that follows devastating natural disasters I always take comfort int he fact that our Latter-Day Saint volunteers are often the first on the scene to help provide humanitarian efforts.

Below I've attached a link to the LDS Newsroom on Helping Hands.
 http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/helping-hands

Works of Righteousness

Paul concludes his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. In his counsel he states several principles that can easily be applied to our everyday life. 

Paul counsel us to treat those in bonds of iniquity and adversity with kindness and compassion. 

He shares that marriage is honorable and immorality is an abomination to the Lord. 

We should be content with the things that we have and not covet after those things we cannot have. We are blessed to always have the Lord with us and therefore do not need worldly things. 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. 

All mankind is saved and sanctified through the blood of Christ.

Paul counsels us to submit ourselves and obey those who rule over us and finally he asks the people to pray for him and the apostles of Christ. 

Jesus is Greater Than Angels

Christ is greater than the angel's. He is the Son of God and angels are servants of the Lord and Son. He is also greater than Moses. While Moses was a faithful servant of the Lord and his people, freeing them from Egyptian rule and guiding them through the wilderness Christ is the faithful Son and therefore higher than Moses.

In the first chapter of Hebrews Paul teaches multiple truths about Christs mission here on earth. He teaches that Christ is the Son of God, that he is made in the Fathers image and that Christ created all things under the direction of his Father.

Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to make the single most powerful act of sacrifice for mankind. He came here to take upon himself the sins and pains and sicknesses of everyone who has ever lived in order for us to have the chance to repent of our sins and gain eternal life. He gave the gift of power over death. that we might all live again. 

Finding Solutions in the Scriptures to Live's Challenges

This week’s assignment was to look in the scriptures to find answers to problems that arise in many members’ lives in these modern times. It is fascinating to me how many answers there are in the scriptures, that a book written so many years ago is still applicable to each of us daily. 2 Nephi 32:3 says, “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do”. This scripture plainly demonstrates how important it is for us to take those things we learn from scripture study to direct our actions.

The assignment mentioned the habit many people have of arguing and complaining at church meetings, and throughout the week, about things that happen at church, but Philippians mentions that the saints should be on in mind, of the same accord and of one love. We should never esteem ourselves above another and realize that we are all only human.  We should conduct ourselves with humility and patience. The scriptures also share that we should “conduct ourselves blameless” that we will not be held accountable for those things done out of strife.

The second instance mentioned is the mindset many young people have that they do not need to work to gain their own testimony, that they can piggy-back off their parents testimony. However, in the scriptures we can learn that each individual has the responsibility to actively seek out, for ourselves, our own testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and his gospel. It is up to us to seek for our own salvation. The Institute Manual states, “To work out one's salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine." (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p.7).

The third and final instance mentioned in the assignment is the dilemma many new converts encounter, the position they are placed in when family members and friends threates not to associate with those who are baptized into the church. Though extremely difficult, the scriptures encourage us to accept the light of Christ fully into our lives. If we lose the companionship of friends and loved ones, but gaining the knowledge of Christ and receiving the blessing of the gospel is worth much more than the association of people who would bring us down. If we trust our lives to the Lord he will guide and protect us and bless us for all of our sacrifices.

Colossians 1-4: Becoming New Creatures in Christ

In Colossians 1:13-27 Paul lists several names for Jesus.

                Verse 13: Son

                Verse 15: God, Firstborn

                Verse 16: Creator

                Verse 18: Head of the “body” which is the church, the beginning

                Verse24: Christ

In these versus Paul teaches that redemption comes only through Christ and his atoning sacrifice. He is the creator of all things, head of the church, the beginning of all things and the firstborn of our Heavenly Father. In Colossians 1:23 Paul states the things all people must do in order to receive the blessings of forgiveness and eternal life, “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister”. This means we must be steadfast in upholding our beliefs and standards, persevere in all things, keep our sacred covenants and endure to the end.

Along with those things listed above we are also required to be “rooted and built up in him” (Col. 2:7). I think Helaman gives a beautiful explanation of what it means to be “rooted and built upon him”. Chapter five verse 12 states,

“12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall”.

These two scriptures plainly state that we must build our lives upon the teachings of Christ and his gospel. We should be firmly “rooted” in our convictions and strive to live our lives in accordance with all the sacred commandments and covenants.  If we are so “rooted” and righteously endure to the end he adversary shall have no power over us.

Following his call to endure, Paul then warns the saints of ways they might be misled by men “after the tradition of men”. He warns them to beware of men who attempt to destroy their faith by way of philosophy and deceit. In verse eighteen he also admonishes them to beware of men who distort the worship of Christ by the worshiping of angles and who are “puffed up” to the things of the world.  In 2 Nephi 9:28-29 a similar warning is administered. 

“28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.                                                                                        29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God”. 

Colossians three states several characteristics that Paul encourages us to “put on” or “put off”:

 “PUT ON”

Mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, charity, allow the peace of God to rule in our hearts and the words of Christ to dwell in you.

“PUT OFF”

Fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, covetousness, idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy and filthy communication

Baptism

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we have the wonderful opportunity to be baptized by immersion for the remission of sins after the same manner John the Baptist baptized our Savior. Why should we need any other way other than what the Savior himself did as an example to the world? In a talk given by Sister Carol B. Thomas in April of 1999 she stated, "Baptism is our spiritual rebirth. It cleanses us from head to toe and allows us the companionship of the Savior through the gift of the Holy Ghost. He will accompany each of us along the road of life" (2).

"Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost" (1).
In Romans, chapter six, Paul teaches the symbolism behind our form of baptism. However, before we can be baptized and cleansed we must repent and forsake old sins. Baptism is a similitude of death and resurrection in the last days unto the gift of eternal life. Versus three-four state,

 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father. even so we also shall walk in newness of life".

These versus point out to us that the process of our whole bodies being completely submerged under the water at baptism signifies the act of death and burial, just as Christ died and was buried. Rising from the water signifies the resurrection. As Christ was resurrected from his death as a perfected being, we too are raised, clean and pure before God. Mosiah 3:19 speaks about the "natural man" being an enemy to God. Ideally, after baptism this natural man is dead in us. Romans six and seven say, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin". The cleansing power of baptism blesses us with a "newness of life" as mentioned in verse four. This "newness of life" leaves us clean and worthy enough to walk in the presence of God, not in the literal sense, but in the sense that we are blessed with the Gift of the Holy Ghost and are open to quiet whisperings and promptings from the Lord. When baptism is meant as a similitude of Christ's death and resurrection, why would it be done in any other way other than as performed by than immersion.

When we choose to follow our Savior's example and be baptized by the proper authority and continuously keep those covenants we made at baptism, we can become the Lords servants and by us will His work be completed on the earth. Verse eighteen says, "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness". Though often times we may be tempted by things of the world and the church standards may seem restricting, it is through them we attain true freedom. The covenants we made with God will bless us continually as we righteous strive to uphold our standard of virtue.


(1) https://www.lds.org/topics/baptism?lang=eng
(2) https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/04/spiritual-power-of-our-baptism?lang=eng

Forgiveness

This week I chose to write on the principle of forgiveness. The scriptures I studied were 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Matthew 6:14-15; Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10.

In Paul's second epistle to the Corinthians he taught them, "if any caused grief" he ought to be forgiven and comforted to avoid sorrow (v. 5,7).  Verse eight goes on to state, "Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him". Here Paul stresses the importance of wholeheartedly forgiving those who have caused us grief or pain. Along with just forgiving the saints are also admonished to love, support and comfort those who have transgressed. “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42). If the Lord can forgive and forget then we too, should do the same.

When we forgive others the Lord blesses us. Matt 6:14 says, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you". LDS.org website shares, "To forgive is a divine attribute. It is to pardon or excuse someone from blame for an offense or misdeed. The scriptures refer to forgiveness in two ways. The Lord commands us to repent of our sins and seek His forgiveness. He also commands us to forgive those who offend or hurt us." (1). As we righteously live this divine attribute and act in accordance to commandments and uphold sacred covenants the Lord will pour out his blessings of love and forgiveness upon us.

However failing to forgive can result in dangerous transgression. Matt 6:15 states, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses". This scripture teaching the plain and simple truth that if we wish to be forgiven, we must forgive. “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin" (D&C 64:9). In June, 1991, President Gordon B. Hinkley shared a talk entitiled "Of You It Is Required to Forgive". In this talk he shares, "How much we need application of this God-given principle and its companion principle, repentance! We see the need for it in the homes of the people, where tiny molehills of misunderstanding are fanned into mountains of argument. We see it among neighbors, where insignificant differences lead to undying bitterness. We see it in business associates who quarrel and refuse to compromise and forgive when, in most instances, if there were a willingness to sit down together and speak quietly one to another, the matter could be resolved to the blessing of all. Rather, they spend their days nurturing grudges and planning retribution" (2).

(1) https://www.lds.org/topics/forgiveness?lang=eng
(2) https://www.lds.org/ensign/1991/06/of-you-it-is-required-to-forgive?lang=eng

Christ is our Rock

 

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 Paul teaches that the Lord is our Rock. Footnotes for verse 4 give the words "Cornerstone, Jesus Christ". As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we are so blessed to have our Savior as the cornerstone of His church here on the earth. By him and through him are all things possible.

Several times in the scriptures is the Savior referred to as a  "Rock". Matthew 7:25 "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock". This scripture describes how even when all the world is beating upon the standards of the church, as long as we have Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the church and each member stands on a secure foundation we cannot fall.

Doctrine and Covenants 6:34 states the same principle. "Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail".

In Corinthians Paul lists several sins that plagued the Israelite's namely, lusting after evil things, fornication, tempting of Christ and murmuring against him as well as living the epicurean life style of "Eat, Drink and Be Merry". Despite the "Natural Man's" susceptibility to the temptations of the world, Paul teaches that the Lord will not permit us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. (1 Cor. 10:13). Similarly in Alma 13:28 the same doctrine is taught, with the stipulation of humility, watching and praying, being "meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering".

The Actions of Missionaries Should Complement Their Teachings

In first and second Thessalonians Paul illustrates many principles that are important when teaching the word of God.

• Missionaries are called of God, allowed and trusted by Him to teach the gospel
• Pray always for the people you teach
• Always remember their faith, love and patience of hope in the Lord
• Allow the spirit to testify and bear witness while teaching
• Never seek after the glory of men
• Teach with gentleness and kindness
• Labor diligently that they may not be held accountable for the people. 

1 Thessalonians 2:10-11 states, "Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblame-ably we have behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged everyone of you, as a father doth his children".

This scripture bears witness to the righteous ways Paul and his apostles taught gospel doctrine. It is so important for missionaries and all members of the church to conduct themselves as righteous examples at all times. Missionary work is one of the greatest works we, as Latter-Day Saints, are called to do, both as full-time and member missionaries. We are so blessed to have the chance to teach those we come in contact with everyday just by being kind and compassionate, serving and living charitable lives. Paul was faced with adversity every step of the way on his mission yet he always held himself with dignity and reacted to conflict as an apostle of God.

In April of 1972 Milton R. Hunter spoke in general conference about The Miracle of Missionary Work. In his talk he states,

"Why this modern miracle of missionary work?

First, this extensive missionary work is carried forward because those people who serve as missionaries and those who give them their financial support have strong testimonies in their hearts that they belong to Christ’s true church, which he restored on earth in 1830. They are positive that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only church in the world which possesses God’s holy priesthood, his true doctrines and ordinances, and the power to bring people into celestial glory to dwell with their Creator. And so they go on missions in order that other people may receive the gospel and share the same joy and blessings that they have.

Second, the modern miracle of extensive missionary work occurs because in several revelations Jesus Christ commanded that it be done. For example, he commanded Church members as follows:

“Go ye into all the world, preach the gospel to every creature, acting in the authority which I have given you, baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

“And he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned.” (D&C 68:8–9.)". 

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints we have such a rich heritage in the gospel. We are blessed to be led by a Prophet of God who receives inspiration and guidance for the church. we have the opportunity and responsibility to share these blessings with all those we come in contact each day. Full-time missionaries cannot be the only ones to share the gospel. As members we should be proactive in our endeavor to bring all men unto Christ.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1972/04/the-miracle-of-missionary-work?lang=eng

 http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865573903/LDS-Church-creates-58-new-missions-in-response-to-surge-in-missionary-applications.html?pg=all

May 5th CES Fireside with Brother William R. Walker

                                 
                                

                                        

This evening I had the chance to sing with in the BYUI Women's choir along with the Men's choir and Collegiate Singers at the CES fireside. Brother William R. Walker gave an amazing talk about the Prophet, Thomas S. Monson.

I would just like to share Brother Walker's Five Ways We Can be Like Our Prophet.
      
          1) Be happy and positive like him.
          2) Be kind and loving towards children.
          3) Always follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
          4) Love the temple.
          5) Be kind, considerate and love others.


Words to the LDS Primary song, Follow The Prophet:

9. Now we have a world where people are confused.
If you don’t believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along our way,
If we heed the prophets—follow what they say.

Chorus
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.

 

*I am trying to figure out if I can post the broadcast here. 

My Sunday Inspirations

This is not in response to a school assignment, I just wanted to share these Mormon Messages with everyone.The blessing of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, aside from the atonement, is the most precious gift we have on this earth. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to study at a school where the spirit is so prevalent.

The Martyrdom of Stephen

I've created this blog as a way to respond to assignments for my New Testament class at Brigham Young University- Idaho.  This class focuses on the second part of the New Testament, after the gospels. I feel like a have a fairly secure grasp on the storyline and the principles taught in the gospels, but have a very limited knowledge of what happens after Christ was resurrected. I am so excited for the opportunity to study the teachings and gospel doctrines presented in this latter half of the Bible.

 The reading this week was comprised Acts chapters 1-12.
From the reading I learned a number of things that have stuck with me throughout the week. One of my favorites is in chapter 5: 29, "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than man". I love how plainly Peter teaches that despite  what the world tries to tell us is right and good we have the responsibility to our Heavenly Father to uphold his teachings "at all times, in all things and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9). I also had the chance to learn about a character in the Bible with whom I was not very familiar, Stephen. At a time when the number of disciples were growing, the Twelve Apostles called seven other men who were righteous and full of the Spirit  to minister to the people (Acts 6:1-3). Stephen was one of these men. Verse five says that he was a man, "full of faith and of the Holy Ghost". Verse eight testifies of his many great and marvelous works among the people.

However, Stephen, like many of the Lord's most faithful servants, met his end at the hands of the wicked. His final words account the blasphemy of the wicked, their persecution and murder of many of the Lord's servants and well as the Savior Jesus Christ and their rejection of the laws given to them by angels. After this the Holy Ghost descends upon Stephen and he see's the heavens open. Verse 55 says, "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God". From Stephen's last vision of the open heavens we can learn that our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ are two separate beings. Though single in purpose, the Father and Son are two entities and along with the Holy Ghost, comprise the Godhead. After Stephen recounts his vision he is cast out of the city and stoned. Stephen was such a stout defender of the gospel and a true apostle. He truly lived what he taught. Before sealing his testimony with his blood and being stoned his final words were to ask the Lord to, "lay not this sin to their charge".
 

His final words are so powerful to me because of the way he lived the gospel to the very end. A true apostle, his testimony never wavered. Even though I never have and probably will never be faced with such a terrible and terrifying situation it is so hard to imagine myself in that position and to tell whether or not I would be willing to lay down my life for my testimony. Stephen's final testimony sets such an amazing example to me and I can only do my best to live my life the best I can and pray for the faith and dedication to stand up for my Savior and my testimony whenever I am called upon to do so.

The martyrdom of Stephen is actually quite similar to the martyrdom of the Book of Mormon prophet Abinadi, as told in chapter 17 of Mosiah. The two stories are similar in the way both prophets testify of the truthfulness of the gospel before the courts of justice and seal their testimonies with there blood.

                                                                                                  

The way these two men live there testimonies to the fullest and sacrifice everything for the work of the Lord means so much to me. I have so much to learn from these men. Though I will never be on the same spiritual level as them I am given opportunities everyday to set an example to those around me and to show them how I am living my testimony to the fullest.