That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God

1.    Read 1 John 1:1–4. Describe in writing John’s desire for those he wrote to. Study the following scripture references and then list what these verses teach about how we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

o       1 John 1:8–10- That we might be truthful and repent of our sins knowing that we can be forgiven and clean.

o       1 John 2:3–6- That we might be truthful and follow the commandments that the Lord has given us.

o       1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19- That we might love one another and have the love of God for all men.

o       1 John 2:15–17- That we might be in the world, but not of the world and that we might not seek after the things of the world.

o       1 John 2:20–21, 27- That we might be able to know that truth so that no man can teach us a lie.

o       1 John 3:4–6- That we might be able to avoid transgression and sin so that we can abide with Him.

2.    Choose one of the ways to have greater joy and fellowship with God as you described it above, and write a paragraph explaining how you can better implement those principles in your life.

I think that the best thing we can remember when we are helping those that are not of our faith is to do what 1 John 2:9-11 & 3:11-19 tells us to do. We are to have a love for all men. We might not agree with the way that everyone thinks or the things that they do, but they are still a Child of God and it is important for us to remember that. When we get mad at someone or angry because of something they’ve done we should think about that fact and think about all of the things that we can do to help them rather than hurt them. We have the knowledge of the scriptures that we can use to help those around us and it is important that we use it and that we are willing to help all of those around us.

Works of Righteousness

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 need to remember to be kind to them and show them love. (Verses 1-3)

• How is marriage looked upon?
Marriage is honorable and sacred. The Lord holds it in the highest regards. (Verse 4)

• What warnings are given about covetousness?
We should not talk about coveting other people’s things and we need to be happy and content with the things that we have. (Verse 5)

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just like Christ the gospel is everlasting and true. (Verse 8)

• How are we sanctified?
We are sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ. I believe that this means through the atonement where Christ suffered for our sins. (Verse 12)

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?
We should submit ourselves to those that rule over us and obey their will. We must have joy and not grief because grief is not profitable to us. (Verse 17)

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?
Paul asked that the people pray for them. I think that it is a very humble thing for him to do because he was able to recognize that love and support can go a long ways. (Verse 18)

Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

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

I think that Philippians 2:2 really sums up the answer for this one. It says, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” I think that it is important to avoid petty matters and contention because bringing them up and causing tension is not going to get you anywhere. It is better to be filled with joy and like minded.

·        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]).

In verse 12 of Philippians 2 it talks about working out our own salvation. I think that it is important to establish yourself on your parents testimony so that you have one to start out with, but it is your responsibility to learn and grow a testimony for yourself. We cannot make our way into heaven by tagging along with someone else, we need to have an established testimony for ourself.

·        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).

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” This is one of the best scriptures that we could tell and investigator that is considering joining the Church, but is afraid of the consequences from family. If they have a testimony of Christ, then they can have the knowledge that they can get through anything with the help and strength of Christ. Their family might abandon them, but they are not alone.

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

This is a great example because is 2 Nephi 32:3 it says that “the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.” If we read the scriptures and we pray then we will be able to find the answers that we seek and then we can know of the truthfulness of the gospel.

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.

We need to do what we can to work towards salvation. If we stay righteous and worthy and follow the right path.

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 and service.

o       Romans 12:2- Renewing of the mind.

o       Romans 12:9- Cleave to the good.

o       Romans 12:13- Give hospitality.

o       Romans 12:16- See others as equals.

o       Romans 12:21- Overcome evil with good.

o       Romans 13:1- Be subject to the power of God.

o       Romans 13:3- Do that which is good.

o       Romans 13:8- Love one another.

o       Romans 13:9- Keep the commandments.

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

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging?

Don't judge one another. God is the only one that has the power and the wisdom to make those kinds of decisions.

o       People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember?

We all have our own opinions and it’s important to remember to value the differences of others. We are all God’s children and we are all equal.

o       What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27?

Treat those around us with love and with kindness. Do unto others what you would like to be done to yourself.

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.

They were referred to as Saints.

Baptism

This week I had the chance to choose the topic of baptism. Here are the questions we were asked:

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

(1)     What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

(2)     What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism?

(3)     Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling?

(4)     What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”?

(5)     According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism?

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.

(Part 1)

(1) Before baptism can occur we need to discontinue our sins and prepare ourselves for the blessing of baptism.

(2) Baptism is a very symbolic thing for the resurrection. When a person is baptized, they are led into the water, lowered into the water and completely submerged, and then they come out of the water pure and clean. This is the same with death and the resurrection and after the resurrection we will be able to rise up in perfection.

(3) A person cannot be baptized by sprinkling because the symbolism is so significant. In order to be baptized a person needs to be fully submerged underwater so that they can be made completely clean. Just being sprinkled is not enough.

(4) In order to maintain the “newness of life” we are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and we are able to use the Holy Ghost to keep ourselves on the right path as we endure to the end. If we do the things that we’re supposed then we will have the power to forsake sin.

(5) I think that the part of us that is supposed to “die” at baptism is the natural man and instead we need to become like a child. A child is submissive, humble, meek, patient, full of love, and willing to submit to the will of the Father. If we do this then we are able to more fully understand and follow the gospel and the teachings of the Lord.

(Part 2) We are taught that we are the servants of whom we obey. If we give into sin and we follow in that path then we are servants to sin and all of the bad things that come with it and it is our choice to be a servant of it. If we forsake sin and if we follow in righteousness then we will know that we are servants of good and righteousness. If this is the case then we need to seek the righteousness so that we can follow Heavenly Father and receive the blessings that he has to offer us.

The true source of freedom is the agency that we have from Heavenly Father to choose to be righteous.

Forgiveness

This week I chose the topic of forgiveness. This is something that we all can learn from and continue to strive towards. 

Here are the questions for the week:

Review 2 Corinthians 2:1–11; Matthew 6:14–15; Doctrine and Covenants 64:9–10. Then respond to the following questions:

·      What were the people of Corinth commanded to do “if any have caused grief”?

·      What blessings do we see if we forgive? 

·      What is the danger in failing to forgive?

 ​ 

I think that this is a great topic to study for the week. 

The people of Corinth were commanded that they needed to forgive.

There are many blessings that we can see if we forgive those that do us harm. The first and most important is that if we forgive then we will be able to be forgiven by the Lord. We can also feel peace and love in our hearts rather than carrying a grudge and we can be healthier and happier.

If we do not forgive then we are not going to be forgiven by the Lord. We can also feel anger and contention in our lives and let it dwell on us.

Overall, I think that its so important to forgive those around us. We can be so much happier if we don't hold anger and malice in our hearts. The Lord is willing to forgive and we need to make sure that we are willing to do so also.

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 3 Nephi 8:1 and describe what additional power comes to those who live what they know.

In 1 Corinthians 4:2 we are told that it is required that man be found faithful.

The apostles were the group of people that were chosen to be the examples. In chapter 4 verse 10 of 1 Corinthians, it shows humility and being humble is important to do the Lords work. They were willing to stand up for the truth even if brought persecution to them. Being a good example applies to more than just this group because we need everyone to be the best examples that they can, its not just up to one small and select group.

Simply believing and knowing what’s right is not enough because we need to take action for the things that we know. We must be good examples and in order to do that we need to go out and show those around us that we know what we believe and that we stand up for what we believe.

In this scripture it tells us that the man was able to do miracles. We live in a very social world where people are always watching others and constantly interacting. If we are a good example and show our friends, family, neighbors, or others in our community what we believe in then we have the possibility to make a difference and to draw attention to our beliefs. 

Proper Authority and Ministering to the People

Study Acts 19:1–12; 20:7–12; and list five priesthood ordinances Paul performed. Answer the following questions in writing: 

Baptism

Laying on of the hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost 

Healing of the sick

Having the sacrament

Giving blessings

1.    What did Paul do for the Corinthian saints because it hadn’t been done right the first time?  

2.    How does this help answer the question many nonmembers have about the need of being baptized when they have already been baptized?

3.    In what way did Paul bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost? Paul laid his hands upon them and gave them the Holy Ghost.

4.    On what day of the week did the saints meet to break bread? What evidence is there in John 20:1, 19 for why the Sabbath day was changed?

(1)        John baptized them again because they had not been baptized the right way previously. He then gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(2)        Although they had already been baptized, they haven’t been baptized by the right authority so that’s why it was necessary to do so again.

(3)        Paul used the priesthood in the correct way by laying his hands upon them to bestow on them the Holy Ghost.

(4)        The saints meet on the first day of the week, which is Sunday, the day that we remember Christ and His resurrection.

The thing I wanted to conclude on is the immense power that the priesthood has when it is used with the right authority by a worthy male. Heavenly Father has made it possible for us to be able to have this blessing and with it, miracles can be performed.

Paul's First Mission

This week we learned about Paul and his missions. For the student choice assignment I decided to go with the first choice, Paul's First Mission.

Here are the questions that were asked:

1. Using the map "Paul's 1st Journey" found in the map section of the institute student manual, list the name of the place Paul started this mission and four other cities that he taught in.

2. Review Acts 13:1-5 and outline in writing three points that could help a missionary who is discouraged.

3. Read the Bible Dictionary for "Barnabas" and the institute manual commentary for Acts 9:27, "Who Was Barnabas?" Write a paragraph describing Barnabas. What blessings and advantages do you see for the Lord sending missionaries out two by two? 

4. Review Acts 14:8-18. Explain in writing what happened to Paul and Barnabas. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to this praise and attention?

5. Review Acts 14:19-22 and compare in writing the way the people treated Paul in these verses with how he and Barnabas were treated in Acts 14:8-13. How did Paul say we would enter the kingdom of God? How are both these experiences examples of the principle Paul taught in vers 22?

(1) I wasnt able to tell the path of their mission by the map so I went by what was said in the verses. In verse 1 we are told that they were in Antioch. In verse 4 it tells us that they departed to Seleucia and then went to Cyprus. After that verse 5 says that they went to Salamis and then in verse 6 they traveled to Paphos.

 (2) When a missionary is discouraged they can do three things:

Fast

Pray

Learn and teach by the Holy Ghost

(3) Barnabas was very faithful and he gave everything that he had. He wasnt part of the twelve, but he was still considered to be an apostle. He was full of the Holy Ghost and he was also the first missionary companion of Paul. I think that having missionaries in pairs is good for a few different reasons. I think that it is safer for there to be two missionaries, it is better for the missionaries to have a companion, and they can preach more powerfully.

(4) Barnabas and Paul were praised highly for a miracle that they had performed and the people in the city were in awe and said that the two of them were God's and that they were sent from Heaven. Paul and Barnabas took thanks, but let the people know that it was not them that had performed the miracle, but it was because of God that they had been able to.

(5) In verses 19-22 we are told that they visited and preached in Antioch and Iconium and there he was stoned and thrown out of the city after they believed he was dead. Then he went with Barnabas to Derbe where they preached the gospel to many. They also returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch telling the disciples to continue in faith and that they needed to go through much tribulation to enter the kingdom of God. This was much different from the time that they went to Lystra in verses 8-13 because there  they gave praises and thanks to them.

(Conclusion) I think that if we are to take anything away from this lesson it should be the faithfulness that Paul and his apostles had. He knew that he was going to go through the tribulation, but he continued in the work of the Lord anyway and instructed the others to do so as well.

Intro Week-Student Choice-Martyrdom of Stephen

As a student choice assignment we were able to choose between a few different options and expound upon the topic we chose to learn more about.

For this assignment I chose the Martyrdom of Stephen.

I’m not very knowledgeable of the scriptures, but I am very willing to learn.

That being said, I don't really remember the Martyrdom of Stephen so this was definitely a growing experience for me.

Here is the outline of the questions:

1.    Review Acts 6:6–8 and Acts 7:51–60. Then respond to the following items:

·      Write a summary of Stephen’s last words and what impressed you about them.

·      What do we learn about the Godhead from these verses? 

 

2.    Compare Stephen’s death to Abinadi’s in Mosiah 17:7–20. List how they were similar. What impact do their final testimonies have upon you?

After reading these scriptures these are the ones that had an impact and stuck out to me the most:

In Acts 6:8 it tells us that Stephen was full of faith and power and that he did great wonders and miracles among the people. After reading that I was assured that he was working with the power of God and that he was able to do a lot of good. In Acts 7:52 Stephen is Chastising the wicked people and it was such a powerful scripture because he asks them which prophet they or their fathers have not persecuted, then he continues saying that they have slain them and that they were betrayers and murderers. Stephen knew what he was getting into when he chose to follow the work of the Lord and he knew that these people were murderers. In the last scripture Acts 7:60 with such love and compassion Stephen, while being stoned, cried unto the Lord in a loud voice and said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Of all the things that he could have said or yelled he chose to ask the Lord to forgive them of this. He was being a perfect example of Christ on the cross at Calvary. 

In Mosiah 17:7-10 King Noah tells Abinadi that they had found an accusation against him that was worthy of death. King Noah told Abinadi that because he said that God should come down among the children of men that he should be put to death unless he would recall those words. Knowing that he would be put to death he stood righteously and told King Noah that he would not recall the words that he had said and emphasized again that they were true. Abinadi told him in verse 10, “ I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words”

These two men were similar in their deaths because no matter what came to pass, they would not deny the word of God.

It’s hard to say what a person would do in that situation because it is such a severe situation, but I would hope that we could stand up for what we believe in. I would hope that we could stand for the thing that we believe in even though we knew we were going to be scorned and persecuted.