Abide in the Doctrine of Christ

1.    Read 2 John 1:7 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 John 7, “For Many Deceivers Are Entered into the World” (p. 437). Summarize in one or two paragraphs the false doctrine John warned against, where it came from, and what effect it would have if it were believed.

The false doctrine John warned against was that we should not invite people with doctrines contrary to ours into our home. People that believed that those who were against what they believed in were not a threat to their beliefs had struggles with their faith. Or they had struggle with the people they were once nice to.

2.    Read 2 John 1:8–13. Write one or two sentences explaining what counsel John gave that could help avoid this and other false doctrines generally.

John explained to not wish well to those who disagree with you. He said that "For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." I am not sure if I agree with this. I feel that we should be kind to all, even if we don't agree with them or they disagree with us. 

Faith without works is dead

1.    Some people teach that faith is all that is needed in order to be saved and that good works are not necessary. James clarified the relationship between faith and works.

o       Your friend, who is investigating the Church, has expressed a question in the letter below.

o       Write a response using counsel from James 2. How could you use Matthew 7:21; 19:16-17; Ephesians 2:10; Revelation 20:12-13; and 2 Nephi 25:23 to help support the truths you teach?

“Dear LDS Friend,

Some of my friends are saying that Mormons are not Christian because you believe that you need to do righteous works along with having faith to be accepted by God. My other friends claim that with the grace of Christ, works are not necessary. They say that if I join the Mormons I would be denying Christ’s grace. How should I respond to them?

-Your friend”

Oh, well it is good to hear from you! I am glad you came to me about this, I hope I can help :) I know that Christians believe in the bible and here are some great teachings from James Chapter 2 where he proves that along with faith we must have good works to achieve redemption. 

- "14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of dailyfood,

 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be yewarmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth itprofit?

 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

And, us Mormons also read the book of Mormon along with the bible and in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi chapter 25, it reads, 

" 23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."

This scripture proves that we believe in the importance of the grace of God. Even after all of our faith and good works we need to be saved by the grace of God. If we only relied on the grace of God, we are not showing our loyalty to Him, but only our trust in Him. When we have faith and good works we show our loyalty and our trust and therefore are able to be saved through His grace.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

1.    In Hebrews 11, Paul recounted the faith of many ancient men and women. Read Hebrews 11 and fill in the chart below listing eight other people and how each person demonstrated his or her faith and what blessings the Lord gave each of them.

Name	Verse	How They Demonstrated Faith	Blessings They Received
Abel	4	Offered a “more excellent sacrifice”	A witness from God that he was righteous
Enoch	5	He had a pure testimony before he was translated	Was translated that he should not feel death
Noah	7	Built an ark	Able to live through the world being flooded
Abraham	8	Went out into the wilderness away from his inheritance	Received into the promised land
Sara	11	Had faith to conceive a child after child bearing age	Gave birth to a baby boy
Abraham	17	Offered up Isaac	Received a stronger testimony and kept his son
Isaac	20	Kept in tune with the spirit	blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come
Jacob	21	Staying close to the Lord	blessed both the sons of Joseph on his death bed
Moses	24	Left his royalty and suffered through persecutions	Passed through the Red Sea on dry ground

2.    Give at least three examples of other individuals found in scriptures or whom you know who could be included in this chapter.

Esther- Saved a kingdom through her (and her peoples) fasting, faith and prayers

Daniel- Survived the lions den through being faithful in Christ no matter what

The three apostles- who loved the Lord and were blessed through their faith to be able to spread the word of God until the second coming

3.    Read Hebrews 12:1–2 and write what Paul encouraged the Saints to do to show their faith.

Paul encourages us to set sin aside from us and run the race of life with patience, always looking to the Lord for guidance and keeping our eye on the prize of being found on the right hand of the throne of God.

4.    Read the institute student manual Points to Ponder sections, “Developing Faith Is Active Belief, Which Is More than Just Belief” (p. 400) and “Fully Developed Faith Is Power” (pp. 400–401). Describe in writing how faith is different than belief.

Those are not sections in the online points to ponder of the New Testament Student Manual for Hebrews 7-12. I can try my best though. I feel that faith is believing in something with your whole heart and doing something proactive about it because of your belief. Belief alone is an idea you think is right without action because of the idea. 

When our faith is fully developed we do have a lot of power in ourselves, but because God trusts us and endows us with power. It can also be power over the natural man, because when we have full faith, it does not matter how tempted we may be, we know what is right and we follow what we believe to be true.

A painting of Esther from the bible. She had the faith that God would allow her to live when she went before the King.

Entering into the Lord's Rest

Read Hebrews 3:8–4:16 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 3:11, “What Does It Mean to Enter into the ‘Rest’ of the Lord?” (p. 383). Write answers to the following questions:

• What group of people was refused entrance into the Lord’s rest? The people of ancient Israel
• What sins caused them to forfeit this privilege? They hardened their hearts
• How does Doctrine and Covenants 84:23–24 help define what is the Lord’s rest? The last phrase states: "they should notenter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory."
• What sins did Paul repeatedly warn against so as not to incur the same punishment? Paul over and over again told the people to not harden their hearts
• How do you think the warnings in Hebrews 3:12–15 apply to us? I think they directly apply to us. We should have an open heart and share our testimonies with those around us frequently, that way we do not lose them and fall out of the rest of the Lord that is provided to us on this Earth.
• List the counsel found in Hebrews 4 that will help a person enter into the rest of the Lord.

1. Fear the Lord
2. Listen to the words being preached to us
3. Labor to enter into the Lord's rest.

• How do Matthew 7:21–23; John 7:17; James 1:22 help in understanding how the word needs to be “mixed with faith”? (Hebrews 4:2–3). This helps us know that we need to not only do what we know is right, but also believe and feel in what we do.

I feel the most helpful thing to help me understand what the rest of the Lord was the quote given by the Prophet Joseph Smith found in the New Testament Student Manual...

"The ancient prophets speak of ‘entering into God’s rest’; what does it mean? To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else, we are not disturbed by every wind of doctrine, or by the cunning and craftiness of men who lie in wait to deceive. … The man who has reached that degree of faith in God that all doubt and fear have been cast from him, he has entered into ‘God’s rest.’ … I pray that we may all enter into God’s rest—rest from doubt, from fear, from apprehension of danger, rest from the religious turmoil of the world"

Making Choices with Guidance from the Scriptures

• People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

Don't look down on others and view them as equals. If everyone had God in mind and their one purpose of wanting everyone return to Him then no one would argue or be mean.

• Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62])

We shouldn't rely on others testimonies, but grow our own testimony through a trial of faith. If you find yourself relying on your parents testimonies then realize this and pray to have your own. Don't go to church because your parents do and it's tradition. You should do this if you are striving to gain your own testimony though.

• An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).

It may be hard, but if your testimony is true, then you know that Christ sacrificed everything for us and we need to have faith in Him and do what we know feels right. We should love Christ and God above everyone else.

• How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? 

This assignment is an example of the principle taught because we are relying on the word of Christ to solve our problems. Through using the scriptures to help us through our problems we will have love and peace in our lives.

Live as Saints Should Live

1.    Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

Our salvation is what is coming near, it is time we come nearer to Christ. Ezekial adds that we do not want to die in our sin and D&C further contributes by explaining that we endure to the end we will have eternal life.

2.    In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation:

o       Romans 12:1- sacrifice our bodies (give of ourselves in service)

o       Romans 12:2- think not of what the world want, but what God wants

o       Romans 12:9- love endlessly and embrace good

o       Romans 12:13- be hospitable

o       Romans 12:16- be kind to ALL

o       Romans 12:21- overcome evil with good

o       Romans 13:1- accept God as the highest form of power

o       Romans 13:3- do not be afraid of men in charge, but always do good

o       Romans 13:8- stay out of debt and never stop loving

o       Romans 13:9-  9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thyneighbour as thyself.

3.    Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging? Do NOT judge others. We all are judged at the last day by Christ, what gives us the right to judge our brother?

o       People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? The most important thing to remember is to love and respect all of our fellow men.

o       What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? All men are men! Even if one is dressed nicer or shabbier, it is not right to treat them differently, we must be fair to all and love all.

4.    Review Romans 15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15. Write the term Paul frequently used to refer to members of the Church in his day. 

He reffered to them as saints.

Romans 6 and Baptism

1.    Review Romans 6:1–13 and answer the following questions in writing:

o       What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?
     Sin must be put away before baptism. "The body of sin dies."

o       What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism?
     How he died and then arose once again. His crucifiction. They relate this event to baptism because "For he that is dead is freed from sin." And when Christ died he was free from the sins of the world and freed us from our own sins.

o       Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling?
    I feel that a sprinkling, maybe, does not symbolize because being freed from our sins is a BIG thing. Symbolically I feel it is appropriate to be immersed in water rather than sprinkled because when we come out of the water we are a clean, new person from our sins.

o       What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”?
     The verses teach us that we can " 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God" These verses explain that we put away the natural man and accept our bodies as instruments to do the work of Christ.

o       According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism?
     Ideally, the natural man in us would die and we would become as children, "submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him". In reality though we may put off the natural man and have to continually repent throughout our lifetimes. This I feel is natural and nothing to be ashamed of.

2.    Study Romans 6:14–23. Write a paragraph that describes how we know whose servant we are. Then write a statement identifying the true source of freedom.

     We can know whose servant we are by where our heart resides. When we are servants to sin our heart lay in uncleanliness and we go from iniquity to iniquity. I feel this can be related to people in the world being lost or feeling empty. They go from doing one wrong thing to another, even if they do not think it is wrong, they can feel something in their heart isn't right. They view the world is against them and are not sure what they can do about it. People who are servants of sin pay the price of misery and sadness throughout life and then they die. In contrast those who are servants to Christ put away their life of sin (yes, everyone is a sinner even if they sin differently) They then become servants to righteousness and holiness. Being a servant of these bring purpose to life and can only bring happiness, if someone's heart is truly converted. Last, those who give their life as a gift to God receive eternal life.

The true source of freedom comes from the atonement of Christ and by living the guidelines set forth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Some may view these guidelines as restrictive, but in reality, they free oneself from the pain of sins.

Finding Strength During Tribulations

2 Corinthians 4: 17-18

 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

These scripture verses can help me get through tribulations by comforting me and helping me achieve an eternal perspective! It is so important to have an eternal perspective through trials so that I can stay sane during them and know they are for my betterment.

1 Corinthians 5, Avoiding Sin

     In the ancient days fornication is the same as it is today. Cheating. It isn't acceptable in the gospel now as it wasn't then and is still viewed bad today by many non-believers as it was in olden days as well. The manual the gives this quote, “Do not company with fornicators—not because you are too good for them but, as C. S. Lewis wrote, because you are not good enough. Remember that bad situations can wear down even good people. Joseph had both good sense and good legs in fleeing from Potiphar’s wife” (“The Stern but Sweet Seventh Commandment,” in Morality [1992], 29). hahaha, it is true though! Just because we are strong, does not mean we should stick around people that do things we do not agree with. We are influenced by those we surround ourselves with.

     The book of Mormon also agrees with avoiding sin in this way in Mat 5: 29- 30. It says if your eye offends you, pluck it out. I think we can relate this to modern days as in, if you can't stop looking at something/someone then close your eyes, remove your self from the situation. If porn pops up on your screen, close your screen/exit the page. If you can't stop looking at someones inappropriate clothing, then leave the room! It is not that hard, but if you say there is no harm in doing just a little then it will increasingly become harder and at some point you will come to where it seems impossible to look away. JUST SAY NO! Decide what you're going to do before the situation even happens and life will be much easier.

Run Joseph! Ruuuuuunnnnn!!!

Counsel for Missionaries

This week I am going to be looking at 1 Thessalonians 1-2; 2 Thessalonians 1, 3

The overall message of this post is to get across that missionaries share their testimony with actions as well as words.

Here are some things that Paul did that complemented his teachings:
- he prays to God and gives thanks
- he labours with love and has patience of hope in Christ
- he allows the Holy Ghost to guide him throughout his day.
- he is humble, gentle, and honest
- he prays always for the people he teaches and prays to God that He will accept those he teaches
- he was a good example to the people and wasn't a burden

     Missionaries in the modern day can apply the same things that Paul did hundreds of years ago to be good missionaries. They can and should do all the things listed above and strive to develop all of the attributes listed above. Personally, not only missionaries on their missions should do this, but so should I and all other members and people in general. I should pray for my neighbors and I am constantly trying to develop humility and gentleness. I fail many times, but I don't lose faith in that person that I want to become. I feel that through Christ anything is possible and I can be made a stronger me.


I feel like the best way I can implement being a good missionary is by being a good friend.

Acts 16; 18. Paul's Second Mission

1. On Paul's second mission some cities he taught in were Macedonia, Corinth, Thessalonica, and Berea.
(Acts 16: 6-10; 18: 9-11)
      Paul was directed by the Holy Ghost several times during his mission. Paul and his companions were "forbidden" by the Holy Ghost to preach in Asia so they moved on to Bithynia, but the Holy Ghost told them not to teach there. Paul then had a vision (dream) of a man in Macedonia that was praying that they come and help the people of his city. Paul felt that the dream was from God and his companions and him journeyed to Macedonia. Paul then was in Macedonia and did not feel comfortable, but he had another dream where the Lord told him that everything would be okay because he had many people in the city looking out for him.
      The spirit often reaches out to me, telling me when I should talk to certain people. I did not serve a mission, but do believe in the phrase "every member a missionary". I usually feel prompted to talk to people that I can see are sad. It is hard for me to talk to them because I am a sympathetic crier and often end up crying with them! I have gotten more used to this and feel better after I talk to those that I am prompted to talk to. I think I can do a better job following promptings I get to help others though. Sometimes I do not always follow promptings because I feel like it would be awkward.
2. Why Paul was able to teach the gospel effectively (Acts 16: 9-33)

• he was sensitive to the spirit
• he followed the promptings of the spirit
• he prayed
• he prayed to God, even when he had hard trials (when he was in jail)
• he praised God

In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into mission opportunities?
- Paul sent the evil spirit out of a woman who was following them for many days
- He taught the man who was keeping locked up in jail and baptized him.

What can I learn from Paul's missionary experience?
- I can learn to love those who persecute me and treat everyone with kindness and respect, even if they do not treat me with respect. I can also learn to praise and pray to God in my times of trial and he will "set me free". (even if that only means to change my perspective, not my circumstances)

How is the jailer an example of a true convert?
- The jailer is an example of a true convert because he forsook his other life and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ

How does Mosiah 4: 9-10 expand my understanding of Acts 17: 30-31?
- Mosiah helps me understand the verses in Acts because it is obvious that the time that was talked about in Acts is our time, right now.
I love the verses in Mosiah, so I am going to put them here:
 9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
 10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.
 11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

After reading Acts I know to be a better missionary of God I need to follow the promptings I receive from the spirit and always give thanks to God and Jesus, even when I do not feel very grateful for the circumstances that I find myself in.

Above is a picture of the jailer being converted by Paul's teachings.

Acts 1-12 An Introduction and overview

Several themes that you will see throughout Acts are the twelve apostles bearing witness of Jesus Christ, people gaining a testimony through the apostles, healing (both physical and spiritual), following the spirit and standing up for what you believe in, what happens to those who are faithful and not faithful to God, God's plan for us (even when it is not what we have in mind), the doing of angels, and repentance.

Actions of Peter
Acts 2
Peter testifies to non-believers of the resurrection, how to gain salvation, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 3
John and Peter heal a man who was lame from birth and Peter preaches repentance to the witnesses. He also preaches about the age of restoration before the second coming and tells everyone that Christ is the Messiah.
Acts 4
Peter is then arrested for preaching of Christ, but still testifies of salvation through Christ. Those who have him in jail try to silence him, but he knows to not to fear man more than God. Peter inspires many people to feel the spirit and gain a testimony of Christ.
Acts 5
After this an angel delivers John and Peter from prison and they continue to testify of Christ.
Acts 8
Peter and John confer the gift of the Holy Ghost to the believers.
Acts 9
Peter heals Ananias.
Acts 10
Peter is commanded to go preach to the Gentiles in a vision. He goes to preach to them and the Holy Ghost fills them with love.
Acts 12
Peter is freed once again from prison by an angel.

Description

In this blog I'm going to share with you my "nuggets" I receive while reading my scriptures. I call them nuggets because they are my spiritual nuggets of gold.