Choice 4: 1 John 1–3. That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God

1.    Read 1 John 1:1–4. Describe in writing John’s desire for those he wrote to. 
         
           John implores us to remember all that we have been taught by those who witnessed the mission of Christ. He does this so that we may have "a fullness of joy" in our faith and in Christ.

• Study the following scripture references and then list what these verses teach about how we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

o       1 John 1:8–10: We must come unto repentance and become clean from our sins. If we say we have no sin then we do not have the Truth in us.

o       1 John 2:3–6: Keeping the commandments. When we keep the commandments the love of God can "become perfected" in us.

o       1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19: Love one another. It is through our love towards our fellow men that we can come to understand the love the Heavenly Father has for us.

o       1 John 2:15–17: Not being of the world. When we are able to put aside the things of the world we are more able to learn from the things of God. 

o       1 John 2:20–21, 27: Listen to the Spirit. The Holy Ghost can only testify of truth. We must be willing to listen to his promptings.

o       1 John 3:4–6: Remember Christ. For those who truly love Christ and remember His Atonement, we will be less inclined to sin,


2.    Choose one of the ways to have greater joy and fellowship with God as you described it above, and write a paragraph explaining how you can better implement those principles in your life.

          The principle from 1 John 2:15-17 really stuck out for me. Being in Rexburg I don't feel like I have a lot of bombardment from the world, but in about 5 months I will be graduating and moving back home where I won't be surrounded by people with my same beliefs. I feel this is something I am going to have to struggle with for a bit before I find a good way in which I can "be in the world but not of" it. 
          I know that I can always lean on prayer, scriptures, church meetings and other sources I can find on lds.org, but it is with my family, who are not members, that I feel I may loosen my standards. It is hard at times to be strong in my faith when I am being ridiculed for doing so, but I know that I must listen to the Spirit so that I know what I must do and if he prompts me to say or share something that I must do so. 

Choice 1: James 1. “Be Ye Doers of the Word and Not Hearers Only”

1.    Read James 1 and respond in writing to the following items:

o       What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?

• James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God"- We are invited to seek knowledge from God.
• James 1:13 "...for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man;"- When we turn to God and rely on Him, we cannot be lead astray. He can only lead us to truth.
• James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."- We can always rely on the Lord. We are promised great blessings if we just believe in His Word.

o       How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
         If we look at verse 5 where the phrase "ask in faith" the next phrase is "nothing wavering" and if we look at the footnotes given for wavering we could also replace it with doubting or hesitating. When we are truly asking in faith we are not doubtful or hesitant in our search for an answer. We must be steadfast in our seeking.

o       How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
         James 1:8 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." the verses in Matthew and 1 Kings helps us to understand that a "double minded man" is someone who says they worship God but may also be part of worldly frivolity. If a person has not chosen whom they are to follow they will be easily be persuaded by the adversary. 

o       From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
         We learn in James 1: 13-15 that we are not tempted of God but by Satan. It is when we fall to those temptations that we sin and sin, if not repented of, leads to spiritual death. However there is hope for everyone. In verses 19-27 we are taught that we should "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". To me this means we must be welcoming of the promptings of the Holy Ghost and willing to listen without interruption, and we must be able to control our emotions, especially anger. 
         I particularly liked verses 22-23 which says, "Bet be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass." These two verses teach us that we must not only heed the teachings of the Gospel but also be willing participants of the work in which the Gospel requires. If we do not partake of the work then we will never see the progression from our natural, mortal selves to the exalted, perfected beings we can ultimately become.

o       Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
         The one example that comes to mind of "being a hearer and a doer of the word" are those who are constantly attending the temple. And not only those attending the temple regularly, which is encouraged and even exhorted by the Church leaders for us to do, but also taking personal family names. These individuals, myself included, are taking the extra step to find their own ancestors and have their temple work done for them. They are not only heeding the words of the prophet and apostles but also acting upon the work that is required prior to fulfilling that call.

2.    Read the institute student manual commentary for James 1:5–6, “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” (p. 409). Make a list of reasons why Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.
        There were three things I found that Elder McConkie mentioned. First, it was James 1:5 that prompted the young Joseph Smith to turn to God in prayer which lead to him receiving the revelation of the restoration in the coming years. In the account known as the First Vision, the young Joseph Smith was visited by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ where They told him that the fulness of the Gospel will be restored.
        Second, this simple verse clearly tells us that the heavens are not closed off to us. We can, if we just ask sincerely for knowledge "not wavering" then we will be blessed to receive answers, guidance and knowledge.
        Third, Elder McConkie mentioned how new investigators to the Church will have to, like the young Joseph Smith did, act upon the promise of this verse. They have to turn to Heavenly Father to gain the knowledge that what they have been learning/ being taught is true.  

Choice One: Hebrews 8-10. The Atonement is Greater Than All of the Sacrifices of the Old Testament

1.    Throughout the book of Hebrews, Paul taught the superiority of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Melchizedek Priesthood over the Law of Moses and the Aaronic Priesthood. From your study of Hebrews 8:1-3; 9:22-28; 10:1-4, 10-17; Alma 34:10, 13-14, write a paragraph describing how the Atonement of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses. Include in your paragraph what these verses say about the following questions: What was the purpose of the Law of Moses? What does the Atonement of Jesus Christ do for us?
          In Hebrews 10:1 it mentions how the Law of Moses has "having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things". This means that the Law of Moses was a similitude of what Christ would do. The Law of Moses was set forth to precede the sacrifice Christ would willingly give. It mentions in Hebrews 10:4 that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin and in chapter 9 verse 23 that heavenly things are "better sacrifices than these". Alma 34:10 explains that Christ will give "the last sacrifice" that will be "infinite and eternal" and this in this sacrifice "the law of Moses [will] be fulfilled". 
          It is through the Atonement of Christ that we can be saved to overcome justice through grace. In Hebrews 9:24 we learn that because of Christ's Atonement He will "appear in the presence of God for us". We also learn in Hebrews 10:16-17 that He will put "[His] laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them", meaning that if we make and keep covenants with Him then He will "their sins and iniquities... I will remember no more". It is through His Atonement and our faithfulness that we can be forgiven for our sins and transgressions.

2.    In the book of Hebrews, Paul referred to Jesus Christ as a “high priest” (see Hebrews 9:11). Read Hebrews 9:11-28; the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 9:1-10, “What Do We Know Concerning the Ancient Tabernacles and Its Services?” (pp. 390-91); commentary for Hebrews 9:11-15, 23-28, “The Role of Jesus Christ as High Priest Mediator of the New Testament” (p. 391). Write a paragraph that shows how the labors of the high priests in the temple were like what the Savior did for us in the Garden of Gethsemane.
          The high priests of the Old Testament symbolically, through the sacrifice of animals, took away the sins of Israel. However, Christ was the willing sacrifice, to literally take upon Himself the sins of everyone. Christ not only took on the role of the High Priest for making the offering but also that of the offering. Being the "Lamb of God" He was the only one worthy to become the offering to atone for all the sins of man. 
3.    Write a paragraph on why the title “high priest of good things to come” (Hebrews 9:11) is an appropriate title for Jesus Christ.
          This title is appropriate for Christ because it is through His teachings that we learn how we are to act and to come closer to our Heavenly Father. He was/is the Great Teacher and teaches us how to better love our brothers and sisters. It is through His Atonement that we can look forward to eternal life. Without His intercession we would not be able to overcome our physical or spiritual death. He shows us the truth and gives us the light to look forward to and sometimes even cling on to. It is through Christ that we know that we have the ability to return to our Father in Heaven and to have the knowledge of the Gospel.

Choice 1: Hebrews 5-7. Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek

The references for this assignment come from the King James Version of the Bible with some Joseph Smith Translations, Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price all of which can be found at LDS.org under scriptures. The student manual can be found under teaching and lessons under Institute and it is the New Testament Manuel (https://www.lds.org/manual/new-testament-student-manual).

1.    Read Hebrews 5:4; Numbers 27:18, 23; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11; Articles of Faith 1:5. From these verses describe in writing the Lord’s approved pattern for how someone comes to be a priesthood leader. How do we know who has authority in the Church today?
All of these verses tell us that all who gain the priesthood must be ordained by God and have someone with the proper authority confer to them the priesthood by the laying on of hands. In Doctrine and Covenants 42:11 we are taught that it is the leaders of the Church that have the authority to ordain someone to receive the priesthood.

2.    Read Hebrews 5:7-8; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 5:7-8, “Does the Phrase ‘Though He Were a Son’ Apply to Melchezidek, to Christ, or to Both?” (p. 384). Write the answers to the following questions:

o       Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest?
          Melchizedek preceded Christ. He showed those of the Old Testament times what Christ’s life would be like.

o       List a few of the miracles he performed according to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40.

• Power to break mountains
• Divide the earth
• Break bands
• divide the seas/dry up waters

o       What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?
         Abram (Abraham) 

o       Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4 and explain why we call the greater priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood.
         The Melchizedek Priesthood is the Priesthood of Christ. It is unlike the Aaronic or Levite Priesthood because it is only obtained through ordination, not lineage. In D&C 107:3-4 we read that the true name of the Melchizedek Priesthood is the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God, but it maintained the name of Melchizedek to keep the reverence of Christ’s name. 

3.    Read Hebrews 6:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What important doctrinal correction did Joseph Smith make in Hebrews 6:1? (See footnote a).
          In the King James version of the Bible the verse says, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God," The Joseph Smith Translation only adds one word into the verse but that gives the verse a different meaning. "Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God," With that one simple translation correction made by Joseph Smith, the verse is now telling us that we should not leave the teachings of God.

o       Why is it important that a person not leave behind faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost?
          For members of the LDS Church, these four acts are the foundation of our religion. We all gain or grow our faith in Christ, we repent of our sins, are baptized where we make covenants, or promises with Heavenly Father to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. After baptism, we are conferred the gift of the Holy Ghost through the act of laying on of hands by someone who holds the Holy Priesthood or the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is through the commitment of living these principles every day that we are comforted through our trials and are able to receive personal revelation throughout our lives. 

4.    Read Hebrews 6:4-6; Alma 24:30; Doctrine and Covenants 76:31-38 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 6:4-6, “What Must People Do in Order to ‘Crucify To Themselves the Son of God Afresh, and Put Him to an Open Shame’?” (p.385). According to Matthew 12:31, how serious is the sin described in Hebrews 6:4-6? Write what a person must do to become a son of perdition and what the eventual punishment will be.
          Matthew 12:31 says, "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men who receive me and repent: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men." (Italics Joseph Smith Translation). This verse plainly states what the others say. We cannot be given the light (or knowledge) from the Holy Ghost and then deliberately turn away from it. We cannot openly rebel against God without there being consequences. In D&C 76:31-38 we read what happens when we do intentionally rebel against God. We become a son (or daughter) of perdition or an angel of Satan. We must deny the Holy Ghost after being conferred the Gift. It is these who are not saved by the Atonement of Christ and they will not only die physically but spiritually as well meaning eternal life will not be granted to them. 

5.    What does Hebrews 7:1-6 teach you about the greatness of Melchizedek? List the ways that Melchizedek is similar to or a prototype of the Savior (refer to JST, Genesis 14:25-40 if needed). Read the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 7:3, “Was Melchizedek ‘Without Father, Without Mother, Without Descent’?” (p. 385). Identify in writing who Hebrews 7:3 is speaking of.
          He was esteemed as a King of Peace in Jerusalem and especially esteemed of Abraham who gave him a tenth of everything. The Levites, who were the priests in Old Testament times even revered Melchizedek as the High Priest. Like Christ, Melchizedek was ordained by God to be a holder of the Holy Priesthood or otherwise known as the higher priesthood over that of Aaron or the Aaronic Priesthood in which the Levites held. In the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:26-27 we learn that he, Melchizedek, was a man of faith, who lived in righteousness and even performed miracles. 
         In Hebrews 7:3 the KJV of the Bible reads, "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." With the Joseph Smith translation it says, "For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually." It is through the clarification of the Joseph Smith Translation that we understand that it is the "Priesthood of the Son of God" otherwise known as the Melchizedek Priesthood or the higher priesthood that is "without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life..."
6.    Read Hebrews 7:15-28. Describe in writing what Paul taught about the priesthood and about Jesus Christ.
          They are both everlasting and eternal. It is through Christ and His Priesthood that we can become perfected and gain eternal life. The Melchizedek Priesthood is gained through and “oath” or we would probably say covenant in latter-day terms. We are held to those covenants or promises that when we receive the priesthood ordinances especially those received in the Temple.
       

Choice 2: 1 Timothy 1–6. “Be Thou an Example of the Believers”

1.    Review 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and describe in writing what Paul said about dress standards. How does Doctrine and Covenants 61:18, 36 help us understand that what Paul taught applies to both men and women? 
      In 1 Timothy 2:9-10 it explains that we should be dressed in a modest manner. In the time that Paul wrote this to Timothy that meant that women shouldn't adorn themselves with unnecessary embellishments such as a lot of jewelry or with drastic hairstyles. Even though Paul addressed the modesty of women specifically we read in Doctrine and Covenants 61:18 and 36 that the words of Paul, because he was an apostle of the Lord, apply to both men and women. Just as we are taught in D&C 1:38 if it is spoken by Christ's apostles or prophets it is the same as if He spoke them.

Study Moses 6:9; Mosiah 2:37; Alma 41:2. Then list three reasons our bodies could be considered sacred. How does understanding that our bodies are sacred help us know why they should be covered modestly? 
     In Moses 6:9, found in the LDS Scripture The Pearl of Great Price, echos what is also taught in Genesis, that we are created in the image of God. Mosiah, a book found in the Book of Mormon, 2:37 teaches that those who openly rebel against the Lord will not be able to be with Him. Alma, also in the Book of Mormon, 41:2 teaches about the resurrection of all people and how we will have our spirit and body combined once again this time in perfect form to never be parted again. 
     All three of these scriptures testify of the sacredness of our bodies and how we will gain our perfected states. It is through these verses that we are able to come to a deeper understanding of how important our bodies are and why we must follow the Lord's commands on being modest. 

What is mentioned in Alma 1:32 that relates to the other concern Paul mentioned about dress? What can you do to apply these principles in your life?  
     Alma 1:32 says, "For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes; persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put in force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was possible." Paul mentions in 1 Timothy that being modest helps us to avoid pride, are sober of thought and able to show their light that they have for Christ. Modesty in 1 Timothy is mainly focused on the apparel but it is more than that. Being modest also means being wholesome in thought and being honest in your doings. 
    I personally strive to live these principles everyday, though I admit some days are better than others. I am not perfect and I know that all three of these principles can use some work for me personally.

2.    List the evidences Paul mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:1–5 that an apostasy would not only come in the future, but that some people were already practicing false doctrines.
     Paul mentions how there will be those that fall away from the faith, known as apostatize, and they will be recognized by the things that they do that is contrary to what is and has been taught. Some of the signs given by Paul is that there will be hypocrisy and the condemning the things that the Lord has commanded us to do.
          
3.    How could Paul’s counsel to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 be used to strengthen a new missionary or a young person called to serve in any responsibility?
    1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." We are often times persuaded to think that just because someone is young and lacking life experience that their voice is not important or as important as others. I think this verse proves that philosophy wrong. We must learn to value the voice of the youth. Though they may not have the same life experiences they are still able to be taught through the Spirit and be inspired by the Lord. I would love to tell a young beehive or a deacon that they should never be afraid to share a thought or be the example that they know they can be. 

4.    Review 1 Timothy 6:7–11 and answer the following questions:

What did Paul teach about the love of money? In what sense is the love of money the “root of all evil”?
     Paul teaches us that the love of money can lead to terrible things. I want to just explain that the desire to be financially stable and be able to support oneself or family is not what Paul is referring to here. He is specifically speaking about greed and covetousness. Greed is a nasty vice that is usually paired with pride and in some cases gluttony. I think that is how money is the "root of all evil". If a persons sole motivation is money then there is nothing to keep him/her from doing whatever it takes to gain more.

5.    What guidelines are given in 1 Timothy 6:17–19 and Jacob 2:18–19 that when followed can help ensure that you do not focus too much on money or material wealth?

     We are given council in 1 Timothy that the rich should be held accountable for their wealth and use it to help those in need so that they are not prideful or desire only to gain more. In Jacob we are taught to first seek the Lord then if we are righteous in our desires to obtain riches we shall receive them. The stipulations given in Jacob though is that we must be willing to help those in need with the wealth we receive. I would also like to point out here that even though we are promised, as long as we are righteous in our seeking, to receive riches that does not necessarily mean we will be extremely wealthy or become millionaires just because we have the righteous desire to be so. What the Lord sees as wealthy and what we see as wealthy can be very different. The overall message of theses two sets of scripture is that we must first seek to be in line with the Lord before we seek after wealth.

Choice 1: Romans 1. The Gospel of Christ is the Power of God unto Salvation

1.    Review Romans 1:3–4; Luke 1:31–32; 3:23–31. Explain in writing how Jesus Christ is both the son of David and the Son of God. If the Lord is both heir to the king (David) and to God, then in what ways can the Lord rightfully reign? Being the son of David, He was mortal; being the Son of God, He was immortal. Read John 10:17–18 and explain why it was essential for the Savior of the world to be both mortal and immortal.
          Jesus whose mortal father is Joseph who is a descendant of king David's lineage so in respect to Jesus' mortal family He is a son of David. He is also physically begotten of the Father and is then able to be called the Son of God. Through the lineage of Joseph, Christ's mortal father, He has the lineage of a king among men. Through Him also being the true Son of God He has the divinely appointed role as King of Kings. 
          It is the combination of Christ's mortality and immortality that He was able to perform the atonement. It is only though Him being mortal that he was able to give up His life for us but it is through His immortality that He was able to take it up again.    

2.    Review Romans 1:15–20 and answer the following questions in writing:

o       How did Paul feel about the gospel?
Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. He is not afraid to proclaim his love for Christ or the Gospel.

o       In what ways can you show you are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
For me the best way to show that I am not ashamed is to share my faith. Being the only member in my family I must stand for what I believe no matter what others may think or say. I am always sharing scriptures, quotes from apostles, experiences from church or a feeling I had in the temple. I am not scared to share my testimony on facebook or on other social media platforms to ensure that I am sharing my beliefs with anyone who is willing to read or listen. 

3.    Review Romans 1:21–32. Then respond to the following items:

Make a list of the people’s sins by using the verses and the footnotes.  Place a check mark next to the sins on your list that are still a problem today.

• Ingratitude    ✓
• Corrupt         ✓
• Unclean
• Lust               ✓
• Wickedness   ✓
• Malice
• Deceit            ✓
• Pride              ✓ 
• Disobedience ✓      

What reasons were given for why people commit these sins? What does it mean in verse 25 when Paul said that people “worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator”?
          Most of the reasons given is that they turned away from God. They fell to the natural man, or decided to follow the desires of their minds and bodies rather than following the Word of God. I think the same is true for the people of today. We see so much of society is following the wants and desires of their own bodies and minds rather than heeding God. Our society is so focused on the individual where the Gospel of Christ emphasizes the need for us to turn our focus outside of ourselves. A lot of our society feel like they are entitled to act how ever they want without consequence. It is this feeling of entitlement that really drives people to "worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator". 

Choice 4: 2 Corinthians 3–7; 12. Use the Spirit to Come to the Lord

1. Review 2 Corinthians 3:6. Complete this sentence: “The spirit giveth _____________.”
Knowing what the Spirit gives us, write a description of where death comes from (see Romans 6:23). What then is needed to bring the Spirit into our lives?

In 2 Corinthians 3:6 the verse ends with "the spirit giveth life." In Romans 6:23 we learn that death comes from sin. From these verses we learn that we must repent of sin and be worthy to receive the promptings of the Spirit. For those of us who are members of the Church, this means we must be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in which we received the gift of when we were Confirmed. 

2.    Write a sentence or two on how applying what is taught in each of the following references brings us closer to God and gives us more freedom from Satan:

2 Corinthians:

• 4:6–10 

In verse 6 it says,"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." We learn that we are given the Light of Christ and we must let it shine. In verses eight and nine it says, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" As long as we are faithful to the light in which we are given we will be up held by the Lord. 

• 4:14–18

These verses tell me that our trials are but a small moment. We will go through these trials in our lives but we do not look for the trials and tribulations that we can see but, rather, we look forward to the time when we are resurrected like Christ.

• 5:7–10 

There were two things I really pulled from these verses. First, we must walk by faith. We must be willing to take that leap, or even step, of faith. Second, we will all be judged by Christ for the things we have done. We cannot hide anything from our Savior and we will be judged according to our deeds in our mortal life.

• 5:17–21 

We are saved by Christ's atonement. Christ, who was sinless, took upon Himself the sins of all to fulfill the Father's plan. It is through the atonement of Christ in our lives, a sincere use of this gift, that will help us to overcome any sin we commit.

• 6:14–17 

We must not fall to the natural man. Even though we are part of a world and society where morals and values are far and few in between, we must be steadfast in upholding our standards. When we stand for Christ, He stands for us.

• 7:1, 9–10 

True repentance will set us free. When we have the "godly sorrow" for our sins and are brought to repentance we are truly remorseful. This is not a type of sorrow that can be brought on by the world, that would be guilt, but rather this is the sorrow for going against God which leads to true repentance.

• 12:9–10

It is in our weaknesses that we are able to see the Grace of God. When we are aware of our weaknesses we are humbled to ask for help from the Lord and He is then able to lift us in our weaknesses.

1 Corinthians 4:2, 9–17; 8:9–13. The Impact of Example

This is a continuation of post for a religion class I am taking at Brigham Young University- Idaho. I invite anyone who reads this that is not a member of the LDS church to please leave comments or questions :) 

Write what is required of the servants of the Lord according to 1 Corinthians 4:2. 

According to this verse the thing that is required of the Lords servants is that the servant is to be faithful. Though this may seem to be an obvious responsibility I think it can often times be hard to achieve. 

Read 1 Corinthians 4:9–17 and name the group specifically selected to be examples. How does being a good example apply to more than this group? 

The specific group are the apostles. We are always being watched by those we are around on a daily basis, whether that be family, friends, classmates or coworkers and then there are those who we may only encounter for a moment as we walk down the street but they are all constantly critiquing our actions. Especially for those of us who are members of the Church, we are under constant scrutiny which is why we, every member, must live the gospel to the best of our ability everyday. We are not perfect so we will make mistakes and slip constantly, but we must always show our love for Christ in all that we do regardless of what may be going on in our lives.

Read Alma 39:11–12 and explain why it is not enough just to know what is right. 

This comes back to the scripture in Luke 12:48 for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required. This is also reiterated in Doctrine and Covenants 82:3 which reads "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation." We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that we have the fullness of the Gospel of Christ, or at least as far as it has been revealed in this dispensation, so we have the responsibility of sharing this knowledge and information with those around us and with whom we associate with. 
We must live and act upon the knowledge we have so that we may lead others to that same knowledge. However, as it explains in the verses of Alma (which is found in the Book of Mormon), if we were to act against what is taught then we risk the leading of others away from that knowledge or from finding it. 

Read 3 Nephi 8:1 and describe what additional power comes to those who live what they know.
This verse reads, "And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he were cleansed every whit from his iniquity--" 
I believe that this verse is telling us that if we live righteously and uphold the teaching of Christ and follow His gospel to the best of our ability we will be able to perform miracles in His name. In our day, we as members of The Church believe that miracles of healing can and are performed, but I don't think for most of us those are the kind of miracles we will see. I think most of us will have more subtle miracles like being able to find peace during times of trial or sharing in the joy of seeing a friend or family member embrace the gospel. There is nothing more that we could really want in this life than to be the instrument the Lord uses to perform such miracles.

Choice 1 Acts 19–20. Proper Authority and Ministering to the People

The five Priesthood ordinances that Paul performed were:

• Baptism
• Conferring the Gift of the Holy Ghost
• Ministering to the sick
• Administering the Sacrament
• Casting out evil spirits

1.    What did Paul do for the Corinthian saints because it hadn’t been done right the

first time?

We read in Acts 19 that Paul asks the people if they had received the Holy Ghost but then comes to learn that they were baptized incorrectly. Paul then baptized them again and also giving them the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.

2.    How does this help answer the question many nonmembers have about the need of being baptized when they have already been baptized?

This scripture shows that there is a proper way and authority which is needed for the baptism to be valid. Though other churches may perform baptisms they lack the priesthood authority for the ordinance to be counted in the sight of the Lord.

3.    In what way did Paul bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Paul used the laying on of hands to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. Just as Christ did to each of His apostles, Paul performed the ordinance the same way.

4.    On what day of the week did the saints meet to break bread? What evidence is there in John 20:1, 19 for why the Sabbath day was changed?

It was the first day of the week or the Sabbath. In John 20: 1, 19 we understand this day to be the day in which Christ was resurrected.  

Acts 9, 13-18/ Choice 2

Student Choice assignment- Choice 2

1. Trace Paul’s second missionary journey from Bible Map 13. List the names of four cities he visited, to whom he later wrote epistles. Read Acts 16:6–10; 18:9– 11. Write a paragraph explaining the different ways the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions during their journey. Write a second paragraph describing how the Spirit has directed your missionary efforts, and one way you could be more directed by the Spirit in your life.

          The four cities were: Corinth, Ephesus, Philippi and Colosse. He eventually writes epistles to the Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians.

          In Acts 16: 6-10 we read about Paul and his journeys through different lands but the Spirit of the Lord does not give them the direction to preach to those in Asia or in other smaller areas. These versus show us that the Spirit guides by not giving direction. There are times when the Spirit does not give us an impression of where to go or if we are going along the right path because it is his way of telling us we are meant to move on or go another direction. In Acts 18: 9-11 Paul receives a vision and is told by the Lord that he should not hold back the words of the Lord and that He is with them so they will not be harmed. Here we see the Spirit giving comfort to Paul and strengthening him to continue.
          I have not served a full-time mission for the Church, but I have tried my best to be a "member missionary" to the best of my ability. I have followed promptings from the Holy Ghost in sharing my testimony, posting a talk by a General Authority on social media or just sharing something I learned in church on a given Sunday. I think my missionary experiences have been strongest in the family history work I have done for my ancestors. I have done countless baptisms, confirmations and now initiatory, endowment and sealing work for my loved ones who have passed on. I have felt such a strong feeling of joy and happiness when doing this work that I cannot deny that they are excited to have this work done for them. I think a way I can work to be more directed by the Spirit is to be more immediate in responding and acting upon promptings I receive from the Holy Ghost.
          
2.    Review Acts 16:9–33. Make a list of the reasons Paul was able to preach the gospel so effectively. 
There were 3 things that stood out to me from this section of scripture
1) Paul's immediate response to the promptings of the Spirit
2) Constant, sincere prayer
3) True faith in the Lord and in the things he was sharing with others.

o In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities? 
Paul was able to use his situation, no matter how awful, to teach others about Christ. The prime example I would use is in Acts 16: 25-31. Paul and Silas are in prison but they pray and sing praises to God and the prisoners hear. However, after the praises their shackles were undone and the prison doors were open but instead of leaving they remain and preach to the jailer who believes their message.
o What can you learn from Paul’s missionary experiences?
For me, an important lesson is to never be afraid to speak of the Lord. No matter the situation or circumstance we must share the gospel.
o How is the jailer an example of a true convert? 
Conversion is a life long process, but the jailer showed that he was willing to follow the Lord and join His people even without seeing miracles or amazing acts performed.
o How does Mosiah 4:9–10 expand your understanding of Acts 17:30–31?
In both Mosiah and Acts we are told that we must repent. It is in Mosiah that it is clarified that we must repent from our iniquities and now that we have been taught the truth we must always live by it. 
o What can you do now to better prepare yourself to share the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or as a member? 
I would love to serve as a full-time missionary, but at this time it is not meant for me to do that. However, I can and do strive to share the gospel with my family and friends who are not members. Somethings I can do to prepare better is to be more knowledgeable about the scriptures. I often read the scriptures to gain a deeper understanding of a principle or doctrine but I rarely think about how I can share it. Also, being more open to the Spirit and allowing him to guide me to those whom I can help will be a great blessing not only for them but for me as well. 
          

Acts 1-8; 10-12/ Choice 5

So just as an intro to my next several entries, I am taking a Religion class, New Testament Acts- Revelation at BYU-Idaho and part of the class is to pick a personal "student choice" activity and one is to post on a blog so I figured I'd put this to some use since it's been a while since I last posted. Also my references come from the King James Version of the Bible. The Joseph Smith- History referred to in the student choice section is a section of scripture found in the LDS scriptures in the book known as the Pearl of Great Price. It can be found on LDS.org.


For this class we are required to read the selected chapters and then find at least three principles within them. The three I want to share are 1. We are not meant to know the Lord's timing in everything. (Acts 1:7) 2. The works of men will not last but the works of the Lord will. (Acts 5:38-39) and 3. God is "no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34-35)

The Lord's Timing

To give a little background of this chapter Christ is ministering to His apostles after His resurrection. Christ mentions the restoration of Israel and they ask Him when that will happen and he responds:

7 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.

I think Elder Neal A. Maxwell said it best, "Faith in the Lord includes faith in His timing." We must always hope for things that have been promised to come but if we are showing true faith to God then we will be patient and learn to live by his timing and not our own no matter the situation.

The Works of the Lord


In Chapter 5 of the book of Acts we read of the Apostles continuing to perform miracles just as Jesus had. However, the Pharisees and the Sadducees did not like this and Peter and John are arrested but are freed by an angel and are found again at the gates of the Temple performing miracles. Peter then proclaims that Jesus Christ is the name in which they are able to perform these miracles and they are riled up to anger and want to kill Peter and John, but it was Gamaliel, a Pharisee, who spoke saying:


"38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:


39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God."


Though Gamaliel may not have believed in what Peter and the other apostles were teaching and/or doing, but either way he gave us a strong gospel principle, even if unintended. We must always turn to the Lord to know what is right and if it is we will receive confirmation through the Holy Ghost that it is right/true. If it is not, then we will have to readjust our path and seek guidance to find what is right/true.


"No Respecter of Persons"

It is in Chapter 10 verse 34 that we find Peter speaking this phrase. In my copy of the scriptures, there is a footnote on the word "respecter" and that leads me to Acts 15:9 which says, "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." I think we can come to a consensus that this phrase simply means that in the eyes of the Lord we are all equal. For Him there is no differentiation between the rich or poor, educated or uneducated, nationalities etc... We are all simply Children of God and He can see our divine potential. I think verse 35 sums it up rather well, "But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." We just have to be willing to repent and follow Him.



Student Choice Option 5: Peter's vision

Who appeared to Cornelius and what was his message?
An angel of God appeared to him and told him that his prayers have been heard by the Lord and that he was to send men to Joppa to find Simon Peter who will be lodging with the tanner Simon.
What was Peter’s reaction to the Lord’s command during his vision upon the housetop?
I would say at first Peter was against the command, but after the vision I believe he was just unsure as to what the vision meant. 

Why did Peter react the way he did?
It was common practice in that time for Jews to not eat anything that wasn't "clean" such as pork. This revelation, I think, was leaning towards something that Peter was uncomfortable with or at least was about to change the traditions that he knew.

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:30, 44, 46 and discuss why you think the Lord repeated the vision three times for Peter.
In the Joseph Smith-- History the Angel Moroni appears to Joseph 3 times and in verse 46 Joseph says, "By this time, so deep were the impressions made on my mind, that sleep had fled from my eyes, and I lay overwhelmed in astonishment at what I had both seen and heard." Using the information from Joseph's experience, I think we can infer that by the third time Peter received the same vision that he was more aware of what was going on and was able to better understand what the vision was even though he was still unsure as to what it meant. 


Why did Peter react the way he did?