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!