Lesson 9 - Choice #2: Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

Choice #2: Preparing for the Savior's Second Coming

1. Mark 13

Throughout this Chapter Christ cautions the people, telling them to "take heed" and to "watch" for the signs leading up to the second coming. Jesus tells the people to, "watch and pray: for ye know not when the time it." (vs. 33). But, he does give them signs to look for. In verse six he says to watch for false Christs, wars and rumors of wars in verse 7, and for the gospel to have been delivered to all nations. 

2. Other References

All throughout the scriptures the God and Christ warn of the signs of the last days, and how to prepare for them. The following list of references each share valuable insight into the last days. 

• D&C 87:8 - Stand in holy places, for the time will come quickly. 
• JS Matt. 1:32 - Destruction of Jerusalem
• JS Matt. 1:37 - Those who treasure the word of God will not be deceived. Angels will come before Christ to gather of remainder of the righteous.
• D&C 33:17 - Be faithful, praying always.
• D&C 45:56-57 - The parable of the Ten Virgins shall be realized. Those who have prepared and followed the spirit shall be welcomed.

Lesson 6: Choice #1 - The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

Luke 10:1-24

The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

1. Luke 10:1-24

In the beginning of Luke Chapter 10 Jesus appoints seventy men to go out two-by-two, to teach the people, the Lord sent out laborers into his harvest. He acknowledges that the path will be challenging, that he is sending "lambs among wolves". (v.3) He instructs the seventy to go out without, purse, script, and shoes; basically going into the world unprepared in order to rely fully on the Lord and His blessings. 

2. Articles of Faith 1:6

The sixth Article of Faith states, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth."

This article of faith is basically saying that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is organized in the matter of Christ's church as originally organized. 

3. Guide to the Scriptures

The seventy are called to preach the gospel and to look over the affairs of the church throughout all the world. In the New Testament Christ calls a seventy of his own and calls them to do the very same thing.

Lesson 5 Choice #2: The Savior Heals a Boy.

Matthew 17:14-21

1. List three things the Savior says is required for miracles to happen. 

In versus 20 and 21 Jesus rebukes his disciples for their unbelief and for not being able to heal the young man, telling them that with "faith as a grain of mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you." Along with faith Jesus shares that prayer and fasting is also necessary for miracles to happen. 

2. By the following references write what is taught about what is needed for miracles to happen. 

• 3 Nephi 18:20 - "And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.

In this verse we are taught to call upon the Father in the name of the Son with faith in order for miracles to happen. We also need to understand the phrase, "which is right". To me this phrase means that God may not grant unto us all things we ask with faith but, only those things he deems necessary. 

• Doctrine and Covenants 50:29 - "And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done."

Another important step needed to complete miracles is to be cleansed from sin. This is obviously something very few of us are able to attain because of the state of the natural man, and honestly I believe Satan would do anything in our power to tempt us and keep us from being able to perform miracles that would fortify the faith of ourselves and others. 

• Doctrine and Covenants 42:48 - "And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed."

I find this to be an interesting verse. With faith in him we can be healed, unless it is our time to die. God has a plan for each one of us and will only grant miracles he deems right. Elder Spencer W. Kimball said, “I am positive in my mind that the Lord has planned our destiny. We can shorten our lives but I think we cannot lengthen them very much. Sometime we’ll understand fully, and when we see back from the vantage point of the future we shall be satisfied with many of the happenings of this life which seemed so difficult for us to comprehend.” (Tragedy or Destiny, pp. 9, 11.)

Lesson 4 Choice #3: Walking on the Sea

1. Matt. 14:22-33 - The Apostles Reaction to Christ Walking on the Water.

At first the Apostles were unsettled; they knew not what was coming towards them on the water and they feared it was a spirit. The scriptures say they cried out in fear, that's how afraid they were.

2. What did Peter's Response Indicate about Him?

After the apostles initial reaction of fear Christ calls out to them and discloses his identity. After hearing Christ's voice Peter calls to him, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Peter had such great faith that he believed Christ could  make him walk on the water. This indicates many things about Peter, but foremost his faith.

3. Matt 14:30. Why did Peter Begin to Sink?

Peter became afraid. He was distracted from his faith in Christ by the tumultuous sea and wind. When we allow ourselves to be distracted by the things of the world it is easy for us to begin sinking.

4. What Words in the Versus Describe How Christ Reacted?

The scriptures use the word "immediately". As soon as Peter cried out to Christ, he immediately stretched out his hand to save him. Even those with the greatest of faith experience doubt, but as soon as we call on the name of Christ he will be there to save us. 

5. Doctrine and Covenants 88:67

This verse and the story of Peter walking on the water share many parallels. I think the moral of both versus is the importance of having eyes, " single to [His] glory". As seen in the story, when we get distracted we sink and fall, but when we have eyes single to the glory of God we will be blessed with strength whenever we need it.

Week 3: Choice #1 - John the Baptist

This week I have chosen to study about John the Baptist.

The readings for this activity are from Matt. 11:1-19, Luke: 7:18-35, and from the Institute Manual.

1. When the disciples of John come to Jesus they ask him saying, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" They came to find if Christ truly was the Messiah John prophesied of.
If I was one of those two disciples I would return to John and tell him that Jesus really is the prophesied Messiah, that he has healed the sick, the blind, and the lepers, and that he praises John as being the greatest of all born of women.

2. While reading in the Institute Manual the question is raised about why John would send his people to see if Jesus really was who he claimed to be. While some might think that John was unsure of the truthfulness of Jesus' claims the manual quoting Robert J. Matthews says, "The question they were were to put to Jesus was for their edification, that for his own.". John sent his follower so that they could learn for themselves that all John taught was true and that they now needed to become followers of Christ.

3. When the disciples of John asks about Christ he takes the opportunity to testify to them of John and his faithful work. Christ says he is the greatest of all men born to women. The prophet Joseph Smith named three reasons why John is one of the greatest prophets; first, John had the greatest task given to any man other than Jesus, he has given the responsibility to prepare the way for Christ's coming. Secondly, he was also the one to baptize Jesus, and thirdly he held important keys of the kingdom of heaven on the earth.

4. In John 3:30 is says, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
I believe John was the most humble of Christ's servants ever to walk the earth. He was able to see when his work was complete, when his followers needed to become followers of Christ.

Choice #3: Calling the Twelve Apolstles

1.  Research into three of the twelve original apostles.

Simon Peter: The very first word listed with his name in the Bible Dictionary is "Rock" in reference to Matt. 16:13-19 where we find the foundation of the papal claims. (Catholic claim to papal infallibility).

Judas Iscariot: Potter's Field was bought with the money returned by Judas to the chief priests in Matt. 27:3-10.

Philip: Practiced baptism by immersion just like John the Baptist which symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.

2. Definition of an apostle.

Acts 4:33 - Witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants 107:23 - "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world"
Bible Dictionary, Apostles - Special witness of Christ, especially of His divinity and resurrection. Title usually applies to those specifically called to hold the office but in the New Testament others are referred to by this title.

Apostles are called of God and hold a very high and important office. They are special witness's of Jesus Christ. The BD defines the words as meaning, "one sent forth". These men are "sent forth" throughout all the world to stand as witnesses of Christ's holy calling. The word witness means someone who has seen something. In my Book of Mormon class in another semester my teacher defined an apostle as being someone who has had a personal experience with Jesus Christ, whether that means they saw, or heard Him, these men are "special witnesses". They have experienced things most people cannot even begin to comprehend.

3. Matt. 10:4-53

In these versus Jesus gives council and charge to the Twelve Apostles. They are commanded to go into the world and specifically to the gentiles. the Twelve were not called to teach the Jews and Christians, just as Christ, the physician, was not come to heal the healthy. They were commanded to go into the world taking no thought for their own preservation but to rely wholly on the mercies of God. In verse 8 Christ says he is sending them out like sheep to the wolves, and that they need to be cunning as the serpent and harmless as the dove. I have never heard this comparison before and I think it has a lot of practical application. They are also warned that they will be hated and persecuted but given the promise that if the endure to the end they will be saved.

4. Luke 5:1-11

In these versus Jesus instructs the apostles to lower their nets. Even though they had worked hard all night with no luck the men followed his council and were blessed. Simon Peter then falls to his knees and worships Jesus and calling himself a sinner. Now, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome can either be a sign of insanity or, faith in what you're doing when it is following the commandments of God.  

Choice 3: John 2. Water to wine and Cleansing the Temple.

John 2

Water to Wine and Cleansing the Temple

Reading John 2 we get to read of The Master's very first miracle. According to the Institute manual we also learn that Jesus was no social outcast or recluse at this point in life, he and his family were involved in the social scene of his day. By looking at the Joseph Smith translation we also get insight into the respect Jesus had for his mother when he asks her, "Woman, what wilt though have me do for thee? That will I do."  Because of this exchange I think we can also see that Mary was impressed that it was the time for Him to begin His mortal ministry. I honestly don't think she was that concerned about the lack of wine at the wedding, but she was blessed with understanding that then was the moment Jesus was to begin His work as the Christ. 

Now, in John 2:4 Jesus address His mother Mary as "woman." To the modern reader this sounds disrespectful but according to both Greek linguistics and the Joseph Smith translation the word woman used in this context would be equivalent to  Jesus caller her Lady. Suddenly this disrespectful sounding line becomes a term of endearment and respect.

Later on in the chapter we read of Jesus cleansing the temple. He called the people not to make his Father's house a house of merchandise. I think this can be applied to each of us in modern times. We should not attempt to make fiscal gain by exploiting the desires of the people around us in their search for understanding of the higher power.

The Premortal and Mortal Savior

John 1:1-14 and 17:1-5

Five Truths of the Pre-mortal Savior:

1. Christ was a glorified being, like God, before coming to earth.

2. In the beginning Christ was with God

3. All things were made by Christ

4. Before coming to earth He already was the life and light to men

5. The "Word" is Jesus

Five Truths of the Mortal Savior:

1. Jesus Christ was sent to earth by God the Father.

2. He was given power over flesh that He could give eternal life to all mankind.

3. Christ glorified God during His time on the earth and completed the work set out for Him.

4. He came into the world, unto His own, and they knew Him not.

5. Christ will return to the glorified state He was in before He descended to the earth.

* One note I found interesting while completing this activity was in the first verse of John. I"n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." In the LDS Institute Manual in the Commentary for John 1 we read that the Greek word for...word was logos, meaning "expression". Jesus was the word/expression of God to the world. Christ was the messenger for God and declared His word. 

Cool stuff!

~B

New Semester and New Class.

 FDREL 211-29 Blog 

for 

Student Choice Activities.

Once again I am taking an online religion class! This semester I will be studying the first half of the New Testament. The following posts for the remainder of the semester will be fulfilling one of my online activities. If anyone actually reads these I am grateful for your time and I hope we can learn something together. 

I would also appreciate any KIND comments and questions anyone might have. I'm not looking for an argument or mean to diminish any ones faith, I simply aim to share with you my thoughts and beliefs and the new things I am studying out for myself throughout the duration of this course. 

Thanks All! 

Sincerely, 

~B 

 

"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.