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.