Choice 2: 2 Peter 2. Teaching

1.    Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today.
 1. Denying the Lord
2. Brought themselves swift destruction
3. Coveting
4. make wrong seem right
5. Turning cities into ashes
6. Turning cities to ungodliness
7. Crude vulgar speech
8. being lustful
9. unclean
10. despising government
11. not afraid to speak of evil things
12. speaking about things they don't actually know about, in a negative way
13. adultery
14. loves money
15. have gone astray
16. get others to believe their lies. 
17. Corrupt


This helps me realize corruption because these are all obvious examples of someone corrupt. It is obvious that these characteristics aren't anything that I would want to deal with, and makes me evaluate myself. 

2.    Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world.”


 It's hard to recover from previous sins. Once you recover from them and repent but revert back to them, then that is where the problem comes to be. You've learned once. Its like the phrase Fool you once, shame on them. Fooled me twice, shame on me. It is up to you if you go back to the ways that you know is wrong. It is easy to fall back into something you don't want, but if you are recovering and head back to it, then that is the biggest problem. 

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:
o       What words or phrases encourage you to look for direction from God?
 "The trying of your faith worketh patience" More importantly it says in verse 5 if you lack wisdom ask God through pray.
o       How did James further define the phrase to “ask in faith”?
He defined the phrase by saying that faith is nothing wavering and that it is something strong that we have in God. 
o       How do Matthew 6:24 and 1 Kings 18:21 add to your understanding of James 1:8?
Both of those verses remind us that we need to only have one master. 

o       From James 1:13–15, 19–27, make an outline of how we can better live the gospel of Jesus Christ.
-First realize anything that we are tempted with is not of God
-Everyone sins
-Get rid of evil
-Do good to the world. Go forth with actions. 
-Don't be forgetful
-Serve other people. 
o       Give a few modern examples of how you have recently seen individuals exemplify James 1:22.
-I had one friend that I met my very first semester. She always was serving and helping everyone around us. She would volunteer at special needs events, someone to talk to, and would just serve overall. Now she's serving a mission in Brazil. S
2.    Read the institute student 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 (1915–1985) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said these verses have “had a greater impact ... upon mankind than any other” scripture.
Personally, I think that these have the greatest impact because first of All, these are the ones that provoked Joseph Smith to pray about the Church. This is what started our gospel in the Latter Days. It also is a motivator scripture. It makes us al choose to pray about what is happening, and challenges us to pray to know what is true. It is the way that we gain our own testimony instead of relying on someone else. It is a way that we must do what we know is right, but more importantly to find out on our own. 


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Choice Three: Hebrews 13. 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”?
Those that are in bonds should be treated as though we too are experiencing the challenges. It is important to relate to people in ways that they need it, and often that is through empathy.  

• How is marriage looked upon?
Marriage is something so sacred and honorable. It is something never to be taken lightly and must be treated with such high respect. God will judge you if you don't follow his commandments about marriage. 
 
• What warnings are given about covetousness? 
Let our conversations not be filled with coveting and we are reminded to be content and happy and thankful for what we have for ourselves. It isn't important as to what someone else has because we are given what we are needed. 

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. He is not changing and neither is His love for us. 

• How are we sanctified? We are sanctified with His own blood suffered without the gate. 

• How do we respond to those who rule over us? We must obey and be submissive to them. This to me, means understanding good and evil over those that rule over us. To be respectful and understanding and also humble. These people are placed for a reason and therefore we must have faith in them. 

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?Pray for the prophets and rulers and the 12. Pray for them to have a good conscience and to be honest, because this is what they already are, but we must pray for them to continue this way.

Choice 5: Hebrews 1–2. Jesus Christ Is Greater than Angels

1.    Refer to “Epistle to the Hebrews” in the Bible Dictionary (pp. 746–47). Read the first paragraph and the “Analysis of Hebrews,” number 1–5. Make a list of what Jesus Christ is superior to.

• The apostles

• Angels

• Moses

• His own word is superior. 

• High priests of the law of Moses

 

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

• Christ is the heir of all things. 

• Christ made the worlds

• Christ is better than the angels.

3.    Read Hebrews 2:7–18; 4:13–16; Alma 7:11–15; Doctrine and Covenants 122:8. In writing describe how these scriptures explain reasons the Son of God came to earth to experience mortality.
Christ was given the opportunity to come to this Earth to destroy the devil and that He would be able to pay for our sins.  He came to this earth so that he could fulfill his word that He said he would take the pains and sickness of the people.He also did this so we could learn to repent for our sins and keep the commandments. Its also is important to read these scriptures because the last verse in D&C shows that we need to remember that we are not greater than Jesus. The way it is phrased in a question makes you ponder what your ideas are.

Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

This weeks blog was a great one. We always talk about applying the scriptures to our lives, but this is literally looking at specific scriptures and how they apply. I definitely liked this week's assignment. It has given me more ideas and shows how much the scriptures can teach us.





Choice 1: Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges
For each of the following common challenges, write the counsel from Philippians that you would use to resolve it:

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

I would use the last two verses, 14-15 because it specifically states not to murmur and to be the light in the world. How can you be a light for the world if you are murmuring through everything. We are to be blameless and harmless. Therefore if we are constantly murmuring or bickering, especially at church, we will not be doing what we need to be doing. How sad is that? I think this is important because we need to be blameless because we don't know what is going through someone's life that we are now judging them and their actions. We don't know what is happening and they certainly don't need our murmuring.

• 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 the institute manual, it is discussed that salvation is a gradual process. It is something that requires action and work and much more than belief. When we rely on our parents, and we aren't acting. As a result we aren't growing spiritually and not learning for ourselves how amazing this gospel is.

• 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).

Do all things through Christ because he will strengthen you. It is something that you have to just look forward and not look back. Once you put your faith in Christ, He will bring you through anything that happens. It is a wonderful thing. It will be a trial, but they will eventually come around.

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

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost wherefore feast upon the words of Christ.

Live as saints should live

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; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

I liked 13:11 because it talked about the importance of putting away childish tendencies. To me, I liked it because it was more of a wake up call to pay attention and that we are going to be judged for our actions. When we are children we are not responsible for our decisions, especially no where near the amount that we are now. The verse in Ezekial was great because it talks about it is important to always do the righteous acts, because if we are not being righteous, there will be something to make us fall and stay where we are when we do fall, and then we won't have any way out. Finally, the verse in D&C was great, because it is a reminder to endure to the end. This is what we need to do to work out our salvation. We must be righteous, be responsible and endure to the end. 

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-present our bodies as a sacrifice.

o       Romans 12:2-live in the world, but not of the world, and know what is good.

o       Romans 12:9-stick to what you know is good, and not anything that is evil.

o       Romans 12:13-give to those that are in need.

o       Romans 12:16-

o       Romans 12:21-overcome evil with good.

o       Romans 13:1-There is no power over God.

o       Romans 13:3-do what is good.

o       Romans 13:8-love one another, and that is all that you owe someone.

o       Romans 13:9- Thou shalt not kill, commit adultery, steal, bear false witnesses, covet, but love thy neighbor as thy self. 

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

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging?We all live "unto the Lord" but more importantly, we are all going to stand before the judgement seat of Christ, so there is no point in judging. 

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

It is important that we aren't trying to purposely hurt another. We need to work towards just loving everyone, and help one another regardless of their opinions. When you love someone like Christ loves them, then you are able to make a bigger difference. 

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

 Be obedient and respectful to others around you.

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.

The term that Paul frequently used to refer to the members of the church is "Saints" I really liked that, because it is cool how we can connect something like the New Testament to our gospel now, and see how we were given direction even then. 

Baptism

This week's assignment is about baptism. For this, we read in Romans 6:1-13. I know that I have learned many things for this. To begin, we must repent and be repentant before we are baptized. We must acknowledge the sins we have made, and take care of those so that we are cleansed purely when baptized. There is so much symbolism in the process of baptism, some being the idea of "dying" and being resurrected. We are immersed underwater, and brought back up cleansed. For our baptism, we know that it is fully immersed rather than just a sprinkling. The reasoning behind this is that it is like we are being re born. Our sins are washed away and we can begin again in a clean manner. This symbolism cannot be realized if we are just sprinkling water on someone's head. I think this is great and teaches many things on how we can maintain newness of life, that being the idea of living with Christ, and relying on him. When we are baptized we take on His name. We must not make a mockery of His name, nor try to sin under His name. Obviously we will sin, because we aren't perfect, but when this happens we must repent. That is how I think this is how we should maintain a newness.In Mosiah 3:19 we learn that ideally at baptism the natural man is gone away and dies. The idea that we "becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."

When we looked at Romans 6:14-23 we learn many things. One focus is the idea that we are servants of the Lord and that we can see that by our actions and the principles we follow. It talks about how we aren't ruled by law, but by grace. We should do all things because of grace, because we want to serve the Lord. Our good deeds will demonstrate this. The true source of freedom is found by reading the last verse.It says: "But now being made ^afree from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your ^bfruit unto ^choliness, and the end everlasting life.

This to me, means that we are free from sin through the Gospel and serving the Lord. 

 

Overall I have a lot to think about after reading these. I think its great to review your baptismal covenants often to be reminded of the importance behind them, but also because it will help remind of as to who we should be serving. 

 

 

Forgiveness

This week's assignment I chose the topic on forgiveness. I think this is one that I can focus on, and that can benefit anyone. The different verses we were asked to focus on were 


2 Corinthians 2:1–11; Matthew 6:14–15; Doctrine and Covenants 64:9–10. 

To begin, we were asked to discuss what the people of Corinth were commanded to do if they had caused any grief. They were asked to love and to forgive the people who had done something to them. If they had been unwilling to have an open heart towards the people and were bitter towards them, then no one can progress. This is how I see it now a days. People are quick to harden their hearts, unwilling to let forgiveness and love be felt to those who have hurt them. I think this is harder than just forgiving someone, because you need to be willing to let things go instead of holding them so tightly. No one can become a better person if they are just bitter and angry. The commandment towards the people of Corinth still applies today. 

There are so many blessings of forgiving someone. For one, you don't have to use all of this energy in reminding yourself to be mad at someone. You can be closer to your Heavenly Father, and all around be happy. Also in the scriptures you are only forgiven by the Lord, if you forgive others. How awful would it be to say I am not forgiving anyone, and because of it, you aren't forgiven either?

The biggest danger in not forgiving, is if we dont forgive, we ourselves will not be forgiven. How can this be thought of in any positive way, or enough justification to not forgive someone else. 

Overall, I have learned that I need to forgive quickly. The Lord is always willing to forgive us, we must make the first step. 

Be of Great Faith.

This week's reading assignment is found in 1st Corinthians chapter 4. Here we read how important it is to be faithful.


In these verses, it is expressed directly to the apostles that they must be faithful. Although it is directly towards them, as they are the living prophets on this earth, we as LDS members must also realize that this is just as much to us as it is to them. In verses 9-17 so many different examples are given to show the difference between being faithful and not being faithful. Those that are faithful walk with Christ, who helps them be strong, comforted and help them through their trials. What greater gift is there than the atonement and all that Christ has done for us, and all that we are asked to do is to be faithful? It is also important that we are realizing that our faith in Christ is so important that we can be examples to others. It is so easy when we are going through something to do 1 of 2 things. To be faithful, rely on the Lord, and grow closer to God OR to fall away from Christ, suffer, and feel alone. When we are faithful, we can help others realize the blessings that, yes, a trial is hard and is going to be hard  no matter what, but we don't have to be alone through what we go through. Because of this, we have been given the tools to share what we know. Through faith and examples we can help more people. I think the gospel is the one thing that we shouldn't ever be selfish with.

By knowing that we are examples, we must make sure we are doing good, as it mentions in Alma 39:11-12. We need to be good and realize the importance of this because we are examples. Many will look to see what we do, to either follow us or wait for us to mess up. If we do good, we cannot mess up, and if we do mess up, we can still be a good example by going through the procedure to fix our mistakes.

Finally, we must realize that we cannot do what is necessary if we are not clean and have not repented. This goes back to the idea that we must need to be good examples.

Overall, these verses are great reminders because it is true that we need to do what we can to be faithful good examples to others. I know it is something I am going to work towards.

Trying to Be better:

Trying to Be better:

For my blog post of the week, I had to read in Thessalonians and make a list of attributes that we are told to work on. When I read these verses, I definitely loved them and I am really excited to pick a few at a time to work towards fixing. They all seem simple, but in a world like the one that we live in today, it is harder to remember some of these principles. If you see there are a few listed more than once, the reasons being it is mentioned more than once. I included multiples because there is a reason it is listed more than once.

• Love one another , including ALL people
• Establish your hearts in holiness before God
• Abstain from fornication
• Be of honor and sanctification
• Never defraud one another
• Be clean and holy
• Love one another
• Study to be quiet
• Mind your own business
• Do your own work
• Be honest
• Be sober
• Sleep at night, work in the day
• Be sober
• Be loving and faithful
• Have hope of salvation
• Live together with God
• Be of comfort
• Edify one another
• Esteem one another
• Have love for others and their work
• Be peaceful
• Have patience
• Be not of evil, nor render it
• Follow the good
• Be rejoicing
• Pray without ceasing
• Always be thankful
• Despise not prophesying
• Abstain from evil
• Pray for the Brethren
• Have love for God
• Don’t associate with those that are evil and do evil
• Don’t be a busy body

The three that I have chosen to work on today are:

• To love everyone
• Don’t be a busy body
• Always be thankful.

I have chosen these 3 for a few different reasons. These three concepts are things that I have already been working at but I need reminders. I think the best way to change yourself is when you put yourself into a situation as if you were a different person. The  idea of loving everyone is something I need to work on. I don’t have a problem getting along with most people, but there are just those that take a little more effort. I realized with the right attitude, that I don’t need to be friends, but I do need to love them, just as Christ would. The second is to not be a busybody. As a young girl living with other girls it is easy for this to get thrown to the side. If I think of how I would feel if someone were talking about me, then I would definitely not like it, hence why I need to change. The third is to be thankful. I seem to have a good grasp on this, but I need to be more vocal about how thankful I am to those that have made an impact on my life. Hence why it is one there.