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.