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.
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