Lesson 9

Lesson 9 is here!  Questions are posted as usual!  Enjoy :) 

1. Review Mark 13:5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

Don’t be deceived

Watch and pray (Always) because we don’t know when Christ is coming again

We will be “beaten” and brought up before kings and rulers.  I would take this to mean that our testimonies will be challenged by those who don’t believe and people in high places with influence will disagree with us and mock us. 

2. Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
• Doctrine and Covenants 87:8

Go to the temple often

• Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:32

Watch for the abomination of desolation (??)

• Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:37 

Treasure up the scriptures so we are not deceived. 

• Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:46–50

Be diligent as we wait for Christ to come, we don’t know when he will be here

• Doctrine and Covenants 33:17

Be faithful and pray always

• Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57

Be prepared by inviting the spirit be with us and following his promptings.  

Lesson 8

Here is another entry!  I got a bit behind in the class I was doing this for . . . so . . . there will be a flurry of entries during this day . . . and then I'll have to start coming up with stuff on my own rather than rely on the class for material.  

Questions are included as usual.  Thanks for reading!  

1. Review Mark 12:41–44 and the institute student manual commentary for Mark 12:41–44, “What Was the Significance of the Widow’s Gift?” (pg. 149). Write an explanation of how the widow lived what the Savior taught in Mark 12:28–30.

The widow gave everything that she had to the treasury.  She loved God with all of her soul.  Like the institute manual says, it’s not the quantity of the gift we give to God, it’s the quality, and hers was top quality. 

2. Even though the widow gave less money than wealthier people gave, according to Mark 12:44, how much of what she had did she give? Write a paragraph describing what this teaches about what constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord. How does 2 Nephi 25:23 apply to what the widow did?

The widow literally did all that she could do with that donation.  There was no more to give from her in that regard.  She gave all her living, or in other words, everything that she had.  Jesus Christ sacrificed everything for us, he gave his entire living life in example and then sacrificed that life for our sins.  If we want to dwell where Christ dwells we also need to give our everything.  Nothing less will be sufficient.  And again, we don’t have to give what Christ gave in quantity, that’s impossible.  But the quality of our gift, (the best that we have) is what makes our offer enough. 

3. Write two or three sentences describing a way, aside from the donation of money, that you could better follow the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience.

I’ve been working on daily scripture study before I get involved with anything else during the day.  It’s been going pretty well.  It’s been almost a month now, and I’ve only missed a day.  It might be time for a new goal.  I think I need to get to the temple more often . . . I’ll talk with Katie and figure out a plan to get to the temple more often during this break, and during our married life.  

I chose to write about 2 of Christ's teachings this week.  I hope you enjoy it.  The questions have been included so you can see my prompts and perhaps do this on your own if you interested.  Thanks!  

1. Review Matthew 19:16–30 and write responses to the following questions and task
• What indications can you find that suggest why the young man decided not to follow the Savior? How does Matthew 6:19–24 help explain his choice?

He was looking for the “requirements to enter heaven” checklist.  He wasn’t interested in following the Savior with all of his heart.  AKA He wanted to know what he was supposed to do not who he was supposed to be. 

• What blessings did the Savior promise to those who make sacrifices to follow Him?

They will be blessed 100 fold. 

• Based on the Savior’s response to Peter, write a paragraph that could help you put the Lord first in your life (see also the additional details in Mark 10:17–31).

We have to be willing to follow Christ in word thought and deed.  And if we give up everything to follow him we will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams.  This is something that I want, and even though it is hard to keep at the forefront of my mind during my everyday life, when I take the time to think about it, this is what is most important. 

2. Review the parable in Matthew 20:1–16 and consider what rewards come to those who serve in the Lord’s kingdom. Complete the chart below, filling in the blanks with information you find in Matthew 20:

The hour the laborers were hired	How much the man agreed to pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
Early in the morning	A penny a day	12 hours	a penny
Third hour	whatever is right	9 hours	a penny
Sixth hour	whatever is right	6 hours	a penny
Ninth hour	whatever is right	3 hours	a penny
Eleventh hour	whatever is right.	1 hour	a penny

3. Respond in writing to each of the following questions:

• What do we learn from this parable about serving in the Lord’s kingdom?

It doesn’t matter if we were born with Adam and Eve or right after the restoration of the church.  It also doesn’t matter if we were born into the gospel or if we converted when we were 85.  The blessings of the gospel are the same for all if we are faithful. 

• What message of comfort can this parable have for converts to the Church?

Just because they found the gospel later in life doesn’t mean that they will receive less than those who have been in it their entire lives.  The blessings of the gospel are the same for all if we are faithful. 

• What would you tell someone who feels it is unfair for each of the laborers to be paid equally?

Each laborer agreed to their contract when they were hired.  It is fair to receive what you’ve agreed to be paid.  Comparison in this, or in most other matters is unhelpful.  

1. Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:4 contains questions that the Savior’s disciples asked Him. Verses 5–20 contain the answer the Savior gave to their first question regarding the destruction of the temple, and verses 21–55 contain His answer to their other questions concerning His Second Coming and the destruction of the wicked. Read Joseph Smith—Matthew. Then fill in the following chart. After each item you list, write the verse number where you found that item.

	Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (JS-M 1:5-20)	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
Events to Occur	Men will try to deceive you False Christs will come and afflict and kill.  False prophets will arise and deceive many.  The world will love less.	False Christ’s will come.  The elect will almost be deceived by great signs and wonders from false prophets.  Nation will rise against nation.  People will love less.  The gopsel of the kingdom will be preached.  The sun will be darkened and we won’t have light for a time.  Christ will descend from heaven.
Promises to the Righteous	For the elect’s sake the days will be shortened	If you treasure up the word you will not be deceived.  Watch for signs and you won’t be deceived.  The righteous will be taken.

2. Study 1 Nephi 22:16–22; Doctrine and Covenants 97:22, 25. Then write a statement that would give hope to a person who worries about the Second Coming.

The wicked will not destroy the righteous in the last days.  God won’t let it happen.  He will preserve us by his power.  Times will be hard, but the Lord will prepare a way for use just as he did in the time of Moses.  The Lord’s vengeance will speedily come upon the ungodly, but Zion will escape.  

Mormons and the 70

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has the same organisation that existed in the Primitive Church.

In Luke 10 Jesus calls a quorum of 70 men, and sends them out two by two to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, cast out devils, heal the sick, and testify of Jesus Christ.  They are sent to whomever will receive them without worrying about money or shelter.

Mormons, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, have missionaries that are sent out into the world to teach the gospel as most people who have received a knock on their door from 2 young men in white shirts and ties know well.  What most people don't know is that we also have quorums of 70 who have been called to the work and devote their lives to Christ rather than the 2 years a missionary is called to serve.

This group is scripturally based, as is demonstrated in Luke 10:1.    It is also further clarified in the book of Doctrine & Covenants  in sections 107 and 124

If you want to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and how it has been restored to the earth in our days by a prophet of God please visit http://mormon.org/jesus-christ/ or just www.mormon.org.

Here is this weeks lesson report!  As usual the questions are included for your benefit as well.

1. Review Matthew 17:14–21, and list three things the Savior said were needed for the disciples to heal the man.

Faith (as a grain of mustard seed)
Speak (ex: say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove)
Prayer
Fasting.

2. Read each of the following references. Next to the reference, write what it teaches about what is needed for miracles to happen.

3 Nephi 18:20 Ask in the name of Christ and believe that you will receive
Doctrine and Covenants 50:29 Be purified and cleansed from sin, ask in the name of Christ
Doctrine and Covenants 42:48 Have faith and be healed if you're not appointed to death

Another week, another assignment.  I will once again include the questions so that you can ponder them yourselves.  

1. Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

They were scared!  They thought he was a spirit or a ghost on the water

1. What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

That he had faith in the abilities and power of Christ.  

1. According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

He saw the winds, or in other words, he looked away from the Savior. 

1. What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

Peter cried out "Lord, save me." and Jesus immediately saved him.    

1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life? 

The verse states 

And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.   

Peter was completely focused on the Savior when he stepped out and walked on water.  He, quite literally, had his eye single to Christ's glory.  He was able to comprehend, if but for a moment, how to walk on the water with Christ.  It wasn't until he looked away until he fell through the water.  We can conquer our challenges in the same way.  If we look to the Savior in our struggles we will be able to comprehend a way to get through the "storms of life" 

I am going to include the questions that prompted this entry so that you can answer them too if you are inclined.  

1.    In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pgs. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable is a story  and analogy that contains a moral.  It's characters are figurative in nature.  By analyzing the relationships between the characters in the parable and relating these relationships to what they may represent you can discern truth from parables.  

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The Church will grow across the world.  Eventually everyone will have a chance to hear the gospel.  The parable of the net.  

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

Because we have the gospel of Jesus Christ!  We need to thrust in our sickle and reap while the day is long!  Parable of tares

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier?

Becahse it's true!  And if it's true, it doesn't matter how small it starts, God will guide it's growth.  The parables of the mustard seed and leaven   

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

Because they know the true value of the gospel.  It is a pearl of great price and a treasure beyond worth.  

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

I don't know why people leave the church . . . they can't live the gospel, or feel restricted by it, or get offended.  They aren't willing to sacrifice enough for the gospel.  The parable of the pearl of great price.  

Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

I have sacrificed deeply for this gospel, because I love it and know it to be true.  I was living a life unfit for a saint, was engaged to a non member gal, and had a plan for my life that, albiet, it wasn't a very good one, but I had a plan.  I had an experience that made it clear to me that this wasn't the life that God wanted me to lead, and more specifically, that he wanted me to serve a mission.  When I talked about this with my fiance at the time she was vehemently opposed to it, and it ended our relationship.  After repenting I served a mission for 2 years away from my grandparents who were very ill and unable to care for themselves (I was a live in care-taker with them for 3 years).  I work hard to live my life by gospel standards and sacrifice my desires in order to follow what God would have me do.  I will continue to boiling to make any sacrifice required of me in order to obtain the treasure of the gospel.  

o       What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

I think net represents the Church.  To be gathered into the net would be to be baptized into the Church.  Tha action of gathering the good and casting the bad away would represent judgment when theirs life is over.

Lesson 2

Here is another assignment from my religion class.  I didn't take the time to post an entry of my own this week outside of class.  I'll try to do better next time.  Thanks for taking the time to read :)

Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of the original Twelve Apostles. Look up the names of three Apostles in the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you learned about each one you selected.

Andrew is the brother of Simon Peter

Mark wrote his gospel under the direction of Peter

Through Peter the Gospel was brought to the gentiles

Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for “Apostle” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612). Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is. 

An apostle is a special witness of Jesus Christ to the world.  The word means "one sent forth" meaning.  In this case someone Christ sent forth to represent him.  It is a unique calling in the Church of Jesus Christ.  An apostle is not necessarily a member of the quorum of the 12 apostles, as Paul claimed the title, applied to Jesus' Brother and to Barnabas.   Christ was an apostle of Heavenly Father, being sent forth by Him to represent Him.

Describe in writing how the Savior's teachings to His Apostles in Matthew 10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

Here Jesus Christ tells his apostles not to worry about the temporal, that all things temporal would be taken care of if they put their faith in Him.  They were not to worry about food, clothing, lodging, speaking to heads of government or against their sins. They were to trust in Christ in all things and he would send them forth, put words in their mouths by the spirit, and in all ways take care of them. 

Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior’s call. How could you apply their actions and examples in your own life?

Even though they were at their wits ends from working all night, when the Savoir commanded, they obeyed and were blessed deeply for it.  Then, when they went back, the Savoir commanded them to do an even harder thing. Leave their work (and their source of income for their wives and families) and follow him.

When the Savoir commands, despite the difficultly or how hard I have been trying, I will listen.  I can listen closely this general conference for what Christ would have me learn and do, and apply it to my life immediately.  

Today we are going to write about Matthew 3.  

I have a few prompts to write on, so forgive me if this feels a bit . . . canned.  


Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?


John knew who Jesus really was, and his mission.  With that understanding I can imagine him feeling very intimidated and in awe of the responsibility to baptize the Savior of the world.  


What is taught here about the Holy Ghost?


We learn from this chapter that the holy ghost is a personage of spirit with a bodily shape.  That he is a separate individual from Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ.  


Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness."  List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6-11)


1. To show that He is humble and obedient to His Father
2. It shows that all men, even Jesus, must be baptized (the narrowness of the way) to return to God 
3. To provide an example for the world.  


What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16–17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?


Christ is there being baptized, The Father's voice is heard from the Heavens, and the Holy Ghost comes down in bodily personage descending like a dove.  (Reference to Luke).  This is one instance of there being 3 distinct personages.  


That's it for today.  

Welcome to the blog!

This blog is going to start out as a student assignment, but I will intersperse it with my own thoughts and feelings as well.  And when the class is over I'll continue to post neat doctrinal things that I have found through my studies as well as continue to answer questions from the comments.  Please feel free to ask anything at all.  I'm not afraid of deep questions, or questions with "anti-Mormon" slants.  I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ as restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith to be true, and as such, that it can stand up to scrutiny from any angle.

I look forward to developing this place!  Happy learning!

Oh, and by the way,  If ever I post anything that you feel doesn't accurately represent church doctrine, please point it out in the comments!