Lesson 7 Unit 2 Choice 1

For my last post, I chose Choice 1: Jude. "Keep Yourselves in the Love of God"

1. Read Jude 1:1-3 and explain in writing how you can multiply mercy, peace, and love. How can you appropriately "contend for the faith"?

You can multiply mercy, peace, and love by living the teachings and principles of the gospel. I think you can appropriately "contend for the faith" by standing up for what you believe. That is not to say that we need to literally fight with those that do not believe or live as we do, it means to leave inappropriate movies, refuse drugs and alcohol and explain that you do so because of your beliefs. I also think you can contend for the faith by sharing your testimony with others when ever the opportunity presents itself.

2. Read Jude 1:4-19 and complete the following tasks in writing:

• Using the Bible footnotes and Jeremiah 1:5, identify the doctrine referred to in the phrase "first estate" from Jude 1:6.
• "First estate" is referred to the pre-mortal existence and that war between those (us) that believed in Christ's plan of salvation and Satan's plan (those the did not keep their "first estate, but left their own habitation" and have been in everlasting chains of darkness).
• Read the institute manual commentary for Jude 9, "What Do We Know Concerning the Dispute Which Michael the Archangel Had with the Devil About the Body of Moses?" Article of Faith 1:8. How would you explain this odd disputation between Satan and Michael?
• According to the institute manual, the disputation that Jude is talking about in verse 9 is from an apocryphal account that Michael was commissioned to bury Moses but Satan opposed the burial and thought he had the right to Moses' body but Michael rebuked him in the name of the Lord. The eighth Article of Faith explains that we believe the Bible to be the word of God as long as it is translated correctly so we can take this verse to be correctly translated and a true account of what happened.
• What does Jude 1:14 say about who will accompany the Savior at the Second Coming?
• Enoch prophesied that ten thousands of Christ's saints will accompany him at the Second Coming.

3. Study Jude 1:17, 20-25. Write a paragraph explaining how we can avoid the evils that often come from false teachers.

We can avoid the evils that come from false teachers by following the prophet and apostles. We should also strive to keep the Holy Ghost with us constantly; praying in the Holy Ghost and building our faith. I think these come hand in hand because the Holy Ghost will testify in our hearts whether what we are taught is right/good or wrong/evil. We should also have compassion towards others and help them towards righteousness.

Lesson 7 Unit 1 Choice 2

For Unit 1 I chose Choice 2: 2 Peter 2. Teaching

1. Read 2 Peter 2: 1-19. Record characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today.

• covetous 
• walk after the flesh
• lust of uncleanness
• despise government
• presumptuous 
• self-willed
• speak evil of things they do not understand
• find pleasure in rioting 
• having eyes full of adultry
• beguiling unstable souls
• forsaken the right way 
• follows the way of Balaam
• vain
• allure with the lusts of the flesh
• servants of corruption

I think these characteristics are timeless in defining false teachers. Even today, you can spot someone that is covetous or that tries and debate for things that they do not fully understand; like the temple. All of these characteristics define the type of person that I do not want to associate with and that I try to avoid.

2. Read 2 Peter 2:20-22; D&C 82:3,7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the "pollutions of the world."

To return to the "pollutions of the world" means that after sinning the first time, you repent and are forgiven, then you go and sin again which is far worse. It also means that it is worse for someone that knows the gospel and its teachings to willingly stray from it.  D&C 82:7 also states that the former sins will return and it will be that much harder to repent and be forgiven.

Lesson 6 Unit 2 Choice 1

For the second unit in this lesson I decided to do 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:

• What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
• Trials in your life give you patience
• "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation" (v. 12)
• God does not tempt us with evil
• "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father" (v.17)
• "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (v.25)
• How did James further define the phrase to "ask in faith"?
• James explains that to ask in faith is to pray and ask the Lord with out hesitation or doubt.
• How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
• These scriptures help me understand James 1:8, because they both state that you can not follow the Lord and follow the world at the same time. You have to choose one or the other.
• From James 1:13-15,19-27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Know that God can not tempt you
• Man is tempted when he succumbs to his lusts, therefore forsake the natural man
•  Know that this leads to sin and sin leads to death
• Be quick to hear the teachings of the gospel
• Be slow to be angry
• Have patience
• Be doers of the word (gospel) and not just hearers
• Bridle your tongue
• Do service for those less fortunate
• Repent and forsake worldliness-keep yourself unspotted from the world
• Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
• Missionaries--they dedicate 2 years of their lives to the gospel
• My old Stake President, Mel Sabey, would hand out pass along cards on the train while he was going to and from work.
• I think the prophet is also a great example of a doer of the word

2. Read the institute 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 of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have "had a greater impact..upon mankind than any other" scripture.

• Every person that investigates the church or that is searching for truth will have it revealed to them through this scripture.
• If it wasn't for this scripture touching Joseph Smith's heart, the gospel may not have been restored.
• Any one that wants salvation, will have to use this verse to gain wisdom and a place on the strait and narrow path towards eternal life.

I love this chapter because I too have gained knowledge from using and implementing what James teaches.

Joseph Smith praying in the Sacred Grove

Lesson 6 Unit 1 Choice 3

For Lesson 6, Unit 1, I chose Choice 3: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness.

1. Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

• How should we treat strangers and those "in bonds"?
• We should treat strangers as if they are our brothers because we may not know that we are in the pressence of angels. (Verses 1-2)
• We also should treat those that are "in bonds" of adversity with the same love we have for ourselves. (Verse 3)
• How is marriage looked upon?
• Marriage is honorable. (Verse 4)
• What warnings are given about covetousness?
•  If you are not covetous then the Lord will never leave or forsake you. (Verse 5)
• What is "the same yesterday, and to day, and forever"?
• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Verse 8)
• How are we sanctified?
• We are sanctified in the blood of Jesus Christ (Atonement).
• How do we respond to those that rule over us?
• In this chapter, Paul is talking about church leaders and that we need to sustain them.
• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?
• Paul asks the people to pray for "us" in verse 18. I am a little confused by what he means by "us" but I think it may mean the leaders of the church.

Lesson 5 Unit 2 Choice 5

For Unit 2 I chose Choice 5: Hebrews 1-2. Jesus Christ is Greater than Angels

1. Refer to "Epistle to the Hebrews" in the Bible Dictionary. Read the first paragraph and the "Analysis of Hebrews", number 1-5. Make a list of what Jesus Christ is superior to.

• Jesus Christ is greater than angels
• Jesus is greater than Moses
• Jesus is superior to the high priests of the law of Moses

2. Read Hebrews 1. Make a list of three truths Paul taught about the Savior Jesus Christ.

• Jesus Christ made the worlds.
• Jesus Christ is after the image of Heavenly Father
• Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and because of this he is superior to angels.

3. Read Hebrews2:7-18; 4:13-16; Alma 7:11-15; D&C 122:8. In writing describe how these scriptures explain reasons the Son of God came to the earth to experience mortality.

• The Son of God came to earth to experience mortality because it was the only way he could atone for our sins. He had to feel temptation, hunger, sickness, and pain so that he could comfort and understand our afflictions. The thing that is amazing to me is that although he was tempted even by the devil, he did not sin. That is something that proves that he is the Son of God and that he was without blemish. This was the only way that the Atonement could work and I am so grateful that it did.

Lesson 5 Unit 1 Choice 2

For Lesson 5 Unit 1, I chose 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 D&C 61:18, 36 help us understand that what Paul taught applies to both men and women? 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? What is mentioned about dress? What can you do to apply these principles in your life?

• In 1 Timothy 2: 9-10, Paul counsels women to dress modestly and not to dress with broided hair, gold, and pearls, meaning not to be flashy and materialistic. D&C 61:18, 36 states that what the Lord says to one he says to all. This helps us understand that what Paul taught was not just for women but it was also for men. The three reasons that our bodies could be considered sacred are, that they were made in God's image, they will be restored or made perfect, and in order to have the Spirit with us me must keep our bodies clean. This helps us know why we should dress modestly because we dress the way we treat our bodies. For example, if you go into a job interview in torn up jeans and a sloppy t-shirt, the interviewer is not going to respect you or your qualifications, but if you go into the interview dressed professionally, then the interviewer will look more into what you have to offer. These scriptures say nothing specific about dress but they do help us understand that our bodies are temples and we must treat them as such. I think I too often forget that my body is sacred, not that I do terrible things and dress horribly, but it is not something that I think about. To apply these principles in my life, I think I want to write on my bathroom mirror; "My body is sacred" just to remind me to treat it as such.

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?

• Verse 2: hypocrisy
• Verse 3: forbidding to marry
• Verse 3: abstaining from meats

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?

• This scripture can help strengthen a new missionary or a young person called to serve because instead of being youthful (rebellious) you are being an example in your words, in conversation, in charity, in faith, and in purity. I would use this verse to show that people really do notice you and your example and if you are doing these things, you will be blessed.

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

• What did Paul teach about the love of money?
• Paul teaches that the love of money leads to destruction and that it is not godly.
• In what sense is the love of money the "root of all evil"?
•  When you love money so much, you become lustful, and your possessions are more important to you than your relationships. If you covet after money you become selfish. All of these things are not good.

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 of material wealth?

• Do not trust in uncertain riches, but trust in God.
• Be generous/ giving
• Build a strong spiritual foundation
• Seek after the kingdom of God
• Help those that are afflicted

Lesson 4 Unit 2 Choice 1

And here is the second post for Lesson 4:
I chose Choice 1: Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live.

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

• According to Romans 13:11 or salvation is "nearer". We must continue to live righteously, keep the comandments, and endure to the end to work out our salvation.

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 lead to salvation.

• Romans 12:1-keep our bodies holy
• Romans 12:2-not living the way of this world and renew our minds to the ways of God
• Romans 12:9-cleave to that which is good and stay away from evil
• Romans 12:13-be hospitable to your fellow man (service)
• Romans 12:16-be humble
• Romans 12:21-overcome evil with good
• Romans 13:1-be obediant to the powers (Priesthood, prophets, bishops, etc) of God
• Romans 13:3-do not be afraid of that power
• Romans 13:8-love one another
• Romans 13:9-do not commit adultry, do not kill, do not bear false witnesses, do not covet, but love your neighbor as thyself

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

• What cautions did Paul give about judging?
• Paul cautioned that we will all be judged of God and that if you judge another it is the same as judge Christ.
• People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember?
• It is most important to know that we all have weaknesses and that we "sin differently", so what right do we have to judge another?
• What additional insight comes from reading D&C 38:25-27?
• These verses talk about being one. It is important to regard one another as ourselves because we are all one in the eyes of God.

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.

• Paul refers to the members of the church in his day as "saints"---hmmmm just like today!

Lesson 4 Unit 1 Choice 3

Here is my first of two posts for this lesson.
I chose Choice 3: Romans 6. Baptism

1. Review Romans 6:1-13 and answer the following questions:

• What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?
• Sin must be forsaken and acquitted before baptism-v. 4 and v. 6
• What events from Christ's life are symbolized in baptism?
• The events from Christ's life that are symbolized in baptism are his death, burial and his resurrection.
• Considering this symbolism, why couldn't someone be baptized by sprinkling?
• I hate to use this comparison but it helps me understand: In 'The Princess Bride" Miracle Max (or what ever his name is) talks about how Wesley is "nearly dead". I think about this because there is no way you can be nearly dead, when you die, you stop living and your body is buried in the ground. Just like baptism, you can not be nearly baptized, you must forsake your natural, carnal man, and be buried completely in the water.
• What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the "newness of life"
• These verses teach us about how we can maintain the "newness of life" by continuing to forsake our sins and live with Christ. I think about the Sacrament every Sunday and how it is like baptism in that I am renewing my covenants and repenting of sins.

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

• We are servants to whoever we obey. In other words, if we are caught up in sin, addiction, and the ways of the world, then we are servants to those things. However, if we chose to live righteously and make covenants with the Lord,we are His servant. I think "servant" has a bad connotation; most people think of slaves rather than servants and there is a difference. To be a slave means that you serve your master but you also have no rights, no property, and most importantly no choice. To be a servant means that you serve a master but you do have the right to serve him or not. Also, along with choosing to serve the Lord, you gain freedom from sin and eternal life. I know it may seem that you may never be "free" because you are serving one master or the other, but the freedom is from sin which can and will pull you down into misery.

Lesson 3 Student Choice Assignments

***I hope this is ok, but I decided to kill two birds with one stone and submit both of my assignments in one post.
On that note, here are my choices:

UNIT ONE: Choice 1: 1 Corinthians 4:2,9-17; 8:9-13.The Impact of Example
Write what is required of the servants of the Lord according to 1 Corinthians 4:2. 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? Read Alma 39: 11-12 and explain why it is not enough just to know what is right. Read 3Nephi 8:1 and describe what additional power comes to those who live what they know.
   According to 1 Corinthians 4:2 it is required of the servants of the Lord to be found faithful. The group specifically selected to be examples are the apostles. I think that being a good example applies to more than this group because the Lord is not going to redeem only them, he suffered so ALL could live again and be atoned for. Yes, it is great that we have such good examples as the apostles but we also need to follow their direction and try to be examples for ourselves because who knows who is looking to you for guidance. It is not enough to know what is right because as the saying goes, "actions speak louder than words". It is one thing to say what is right and another to DO what is right.  Again, going back to being an example, in Alma 39:11-12 Alma is speaking to his son Corianton about how his actions have lead others astray or made them unwilling to receive the gospel. The additional power that comes to those who live what they know is the power of doing miracles. Miraculous things come to pass only to those who are faithful and fully live what they know.

UNIT TWO: Choice 2: Review 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Matthew 6:14-15; D&C 64: 9-10 Then respond to the following questions:

• What were the people of Corinth commanded to do "if any caused grief"?
• If any caused grief, Paul commanded the people of Corinth to forgive and love the one that has caused the grief or who has done wrong.
• What blessings do we see if we forgive?
• There are many blessings that we receive when we forgive but here are a few that I found and have felt when I have forgiven others:
• We may also be forgiven by the Lord
• We will be stronger against Satan and his influences
•  There is a sense of love towards one another
• There is also a sense of a burden being lifted
• What is the danger in failing to forgive?
• Forgiveness is something that I will admit that I struggle with. Sometimes I feel like if I forgive someone who has wronged me, then it is like saying that what they did was acceptable and not bad.  I know that this is a faulty belief. There is plenty of danger for us if we fail to forgive. One being that we may not be forgiven by the Lord. It is also easier for us to be led astray by the adversary. I certainly want the Lord to forgive me of my wrongs so even though I struggle, I am continuing to try and not only forgive others, but to love them as well.

Acts 16;18 Paul's Second Mission

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 is directing your missionary efforts and one way you could be more directed by the Spirit in your life.
-First off, I have to say that Bible Map 13 is confusing to me, so my answers may not be correct...
--Philippi
--Colosse
--Ephesus
--Rome
    In Acts 16: 6-7, the Holy Ghost directed Paul not to go to Asia and Bithynia. In verse 9, Paul had a vision of a man in Macedonia that was asking him to come to Macedonia and help him. I find it interesting that the Holy Ghost directed Paul not to go to certain places. This shows me that Paul and those that were with him, were protected and kept safe through the Spirit. I also like that in verse 10 after Paul had the vision, he went straight away to Macedonia with faith that that was the place the Lord had called him to preach instead of tarrying or visiting other cities. In Acts 18: 9 and 10, the Lord appeared to Paul and directed him not to be afraid to preach and that he was with him. The Lord also told Paul that no one would hurt him and that there were many of His people in the city of Corinth.
    In my life, I have found that the Spirit brings me to those that are ready or curious about the gospel. I have had many opportunities to share my beliefs with co-workers.  It starts with a simple question and then usually turns into an in depth discussion.  I remember one experience I had with a manager at the pool I was life-guarding. We were both sitting on a break and she turned to me asked a question about why most LDS members don't date until they are 16. 30 minutes later, we were talking about wards, singles wards, the word of wisdom, and the temple. I think I could be more directed by the Spirit if I listened more closely.  I hate to admit this, but I am a chicken when it comes to the promptings of the Spirit to share my testimony with a non-member. I have not always acted on these promptings and so I think that I not only need to listen more intently to the Spirit but that I need to have the courage to act on those promptings.

2. Review Acts 16: 9-33. Make a list of the reasons Paul was able to preach the gospel so effectively. Then in writing answer the following questions.
-v. 9,10--immediately acted on the vision to go to Macedonia
-v. 9,10--had complete faith that Macedonia is where the Lord called him to teach
-v. 13,14--placed himself where those that needed to hear the gospel would be
-v. 25--even though Paul and Silas were imprisoned for their beliefs and "customs", they continued to pray and sing praises to the Lord
-v. 26-31--Paul was not afraid of the power of God  

• In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?
• Paul took every opportunity to share the gospel in every place
• He taught all of those around him even if they were out to hurt him
• What can you learn from Paul's missionary experiences?
• I learned that even in the scariest of places like prison where death is almost certain, the Lord provides missionary experiences and blesses those that are faithful. I also learned that even those that seem like they would not except the gospel, like the jailer, can be converted.
• How is the jailer an example of a true convert?
• When there was the earthquake in the jail and the jailer was afraid, he did not ask Paul to save him, he asked but he could do to be saved.
• How does Mosiah 4: 9-10 expand your understanding of Acts 17: 30-31?
• We must not only repent of our sins but we must believe in God, his power, and wisdom; even if we do not understand it all the way.
• What can you do now to better prepare yourself to share the gospel, whether as a full time missionary or as a member?
• Like I said above, I need to listen more closely to the Spirit and its promptings.
• Pray for missionary opportunities.
• Not be afraid to share my testimony with others.

Comparing King Herod and Peter

I chose choice 6 for my student choice assignment. I am going to compare Herod, the King and Peter, the Prophet after reading Acts 12.

• What motivates them?
• King Herod- Pleasing the Jews (v. 3) and his own power--self centered and prideful
• Peter-the Gospel, and his faith (v.11)--humble and Gospel centered
• How did they deal with others?
• King Herod-If he did not like someone or if they displeased him in any way, he would kill them
• Peter-shared his testimony with others. Even though he had just escaped prison and death, he went to his brethren and shared his experience.
• How did God deal with them?
• King Herod-the angel of the Lord killed him, "he was eaten up by worms" (v.23)
• Peter-an angel of the Lord freed him from prison and protected him

I think it is interesting that King Herod got what he paid for in that he would kill anyone that crossed him, and yet he was killed for crossing God.  I also see that if you have faith or are living the principles of the Gospel, the Lord will bless you and even make seemingly impossible things, possible.