New Testament Class: That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God

1 John 1:1-4
John's desire is for the Saints to fellowship with God and His Son Jesus Christ, and as they do that to find a fullness of joy.
We can do this by
-confessing our sins and allowing ourselves to be cleansed from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9)
-accepting His word (1 John 1:10)
-keeping His commandments (1 John 2:3)
-being obedient to His word and demonstrating His love (1 John 2:5)
-walking after Christ's example (1 John 2:6)
-loving our neighbors, and abiding in light (1 John 2:10)
-loving each other in word, deed, and truth (1 John 3:18)
-loving not the world, or the lust of the flesh, but doing the will of God (1 John 2:15-17)

In order to do the will of God, and walk in His light, rather than giving in to the lust of the flesh, I must change my desires. This is no easy task, and will probably take my whole life to keep practicing and improving. Hopefully as I go along, I will become better and better at doing His will and developing the right attitude until my heart changes and I truly become His.

New Testament Class: Living Our Religion

James 3-4

Things we say/do that are offensive to God:

• Speak quickly


• Quick to wrath (impatient, anger)


• Offend in word


• Boast


• Gossip


• Use profane words


• Lose self-control


• Hypocrisy


• Speak evil of one another


• Speak evil of the law

Things we say/do that are pleasing to God:

• Swiftly hear


• Offend not in word, and gain ability to bridle the whole body


• Bless God


• Good conversation


• Meekness, wisdom


• Self-control


• Pray


• Speak with love


• Smile

Symptoms of being in the world:

• Wars and fighting


• Lusts


• Desire to have, and cannot obtain


• Ye ask not


• Ask, and receive not because of wrong intentions (lust)


• Adultery


• Enemy of God

Prescription for being out of the world:

• Submit to God, draw nigh to Him


• Resist the devil


• Cleanse your hands


• Purify your hearts


• Endure hardship, suffer harassment


• Humble yourself


• Don't speak evil of one another


• Don't judge each other

New Testament Class: Works of Righteousness

Hebrews 13

How should we treat strangers and those "in bonds"?
We should show brotherly love towards everyone, and be hospitable, even to strangers. As we serve them, it is as if we are serving the Savior. We must also remember those who are in bonds, and put ourselves in their shoes so we can sympathize with them, and do unto them as we would like them to do to us if we were in their position.

How is marriage looked upon?
Marriage is honorable. It helps us remain pure and prepares us to stand to be judged before God.

What warnings are given about covetousness?
We should not speak with covetousness. We should be grateful and satisfied with what we have, and trust that the Lord will bless us with the things that we need. Don't fear what other people can do to us, because the Lord can help us through anything.

What is "the same yesterday, and to day, and forever"?
Jesus Christ and His gospel.

How are we sanctified?
We are sanctified by the blood of Christ, who suffered for us. While those before Christ's atonement shed the blood of animals to symbolize His sacrifice, we now sacrifice our lives to Him in praise, good works, and obedience.

How do we respond to those who rule over us?
We sustain them and obey them. As they watch over us righteously, we must submit to them, pray for them, and support them.

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?
Paul asked the people to pray for him and the other church leaders.

New Testament: Paul's Affection for Timothy

2 Timothy 1:1-7, Moroni 8:3, 9:6, 22, 25

Both Paul and Mormon said that they prayed always for their sons, that they would have faith and joy. They talk about not being fearful, instead having confidence in the power of the Lord, and laboring and working to have a sound mind.

I think Paul mentioned Timothy's mother's and grandmother's faith because they are the ones who inspired his unfeigned faith, and taught him to live that way. They are also family, who he probably feels he can trust and look up to always and in times of trial.

Paul assured Timothy that "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." This helps me in my life because I am often afraid. I can be afraid of making a wrong decision, not being accepted by those around me, or of not having enough money or intelligence to be successful. However, if instead of fearing I turn to the Lord and ask for His power and guidance in my life, I can have faith that He will pull me through, and that I will do the right thing. I can trust that as long as I am accepted by Him, I will be okay. As I love others and serve them, I will overcome my own fears and trials.



2 Timothy 1:15-18

Paul blessed Onesiphorus with the mercy of the Lord. He did this because of previous kindness and hospitality Onesiphorus had shown to him. He sought him out, taught him, and refreshed him. Matthew 25:35-40 describes how we can also receive these blessings. As we serve our neighbors, even the least of them, we are doing it unto the Lord. Then, as described in verse 34, we can inherit the kingdom of God
As for the chain Paul refers to, I think it symbolizes his dedication to Christ. Matthew 11:29-30 talks about taking His yoke upon us, and learning of Him, and we shall find rest. Paul knew that as he dedicated himself to Christ there would be an eternal reward. Jacob 1:8 says that all men should believe in Christ and suffer His cross. In this way, Paul bore His cross as he taught the gospel and suffered persecution for His sake. This was his chain.

New Testament Class: Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life's Challenges

Philippians 1-4

People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week.
Seek to have unity by loving others and welcoming the Spirit (2:1-2). Humble yourself! Strive to serve those around you. Follow the example of Jesus Christ (2:3-8).

Many youth feel their parents' testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength.
We must "work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling" (2:12). Although a parent may offer a righteous example and encourage wise choices, we must develop a testimony in our own hearts to help us overcome the challenges of this world and do our own good works. Merely professing to believe the gospel, or relying on parents to keep us in line, is not enough to "work out" and reach salvation. Nor can we do it on our own, because this belief can bring pride and weakness. We can only develop and grow and reach our potential with the Lord's love, mercy, and strength as we strive to do all we can to prepare to be in God's presence again.

An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does.
Nothing is more valuable than the knowledge of and the support of Jesus Christ. Nothing can bring more joy and comfort in life than His atonement and love. Whatever would be lost by accepting His gospel and choosing to live it will be made up and even exceeded through the power of Christ. Press forward with faith. All things can be done through His strength (3:7-14, 4:13).

2 Nephi 32:3
For all of these examples of overcoming life's challenges, the answer is to turn to Christ. Feast upon His words- learn of His example and humble yourself to bring unity and to serve. Feast upon His words to bring the Spirit and gain your own testimony of the reality of His life and gospel. Learn of God and what you must do to return to His presence. Feast upon the words of Christ and learn to trust Him. Through Him you can be victorious overcome all other persecutions and challenges. The words of Christ tell you all things what ye should do.

New Testament Class: Live as Saints Should Live

Romans 12-16

1. The day of our salvation is coming nearer (Romans 13:11). We must turn toward righteousness so that when we come upon stumblingblocks we can overcome them, and not commit iniquity and die in sin (Ezekiel 3:20). We must keep His commandments and endure to the end. This brings eternal life, the greatest gift of God, and prepares us for salvation (D&C 14:7).

2. Things Paul taught that would lead us to salvation (Romans 12-13):

• Present our bodies as a living sacrifice


• Don't conform to the world, but be spiritually reborn and prove that which is good and acceptable before God


• Show sincere love


• Abhor evil and cleave to the good


• Give to others; hospitality


• Be humble


• Be submissive to God


• Don't commit adultery, kill, steal, bear false witness, or covet

3. Romans 14-15

• We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Only He can give righteous judgment. We all have our own opinions and individual circumstances; we cannot fairly judge each other. We should just try to lift each other up, serve those who are struggling, and prepare them and ourselves for that day of judgment.


• We all have different opinions and practices, but as long as we do them unto the Lord, giving Him thanks, it is okay.


• D&C 38:25-27 says that we must be united, and if we are not united, we are not His. I think this supports the idea that rather than judging each other for our differences, we should support and edify one another. Our trivial differences aren't important when we are all united in the Lord and His eternal purposes.

4. Paul referred to members of the church as saints (Romans 15-16).

New Testament Class: Baptism

Romans 6:1-13

• Before baptism can occur, sin must be discontinued, replaced by righteousness and grace.


• Baptism symbolizes Christ's death. We are buried (in the water) with Him, that we may rise up from the dead (spiritually) and "walk in newness of life."


• Someone couldn't be baptized by sprinkling because they aren't being "buried"! Christ didn't just die here and there -maybe a finger and a toe, or a few hairs on his head -his whole body died and was risen.


• We can maintain "newness of life" by believing that we live in Christ, and knowing that He has power over all things. Being alive in Christ makes us dead unto sin, so we must not allow sin to reign in our bodies, but be instruments of righteousness. We must also thank Heavenly Father for the sacrifice of His Son and the opportunity we have to be freed from sin.


• According to Mosiah 3:19, the natural man should ideally die at baptism. However, as the verse explains, it takes a lot of effort and there are a lot of qualities we must seek to gain and work on in order to become a saint.

Romans 6:14-23

We know whose servants we are based on who we choose to obey! It all depends on ourselves and how we use our agency. We can be servants to sin or servants to righteousness and God. We can only be servants to God as we make use of the Atonement and which frees us from sin and puts us on the path to eternal life. This is the true source of freedom. Sin is death and captivity, but righteousness leads to life and everlasting freedom.

New Testament Class: Lusts of the Flesh versus Fruits of the Spirit

Galatians 5:13-26

Verse 17 says that the Spirit and the flesh are contrary one to another. After I have had a powerful spiritual experience, and I feel truly uplifted and at peace, I will not have the desire to sin! Rather, I will want to continue walking in the Spirit.
The lusts of the flesh can seem appealing at times. When I am lax on my scripture reading, when I don't pray as often as I should, or when I don't seek the guidance of the Spirit, it is easy to turn to worldly things for comfort because they satisfy so quickly. But "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." These things of the flesh are temporary, not eternal.
The reason I don't have the desire to sin when I have had a spiritual experience is because I recognize the true principles of the gospel. I recognize that there is a way to more permanent comfort and happiness. As I read the scriptures and pray daily, I constantly remind myself of that and the Spirit continues to reside with me. Then I experience the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

New Testament Class: The Impact of Example

1 Corinthians 4:2
As stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must be faithful and trustworthy.

1 Corinthians 4:9-17
The apostles were specifically selected to be examples. However, being a good example applies to all of us. We each need to bless and edify others, patiently endure persecution, and follow Christ and His prophets. We all have the opportunity to associate with many people each day, and show them the light in our lives as a result of living the gospel.

Alma 39:11-12
It is not enough to just know what is right, you have to do what is right. These verses talk about how although Corianton had a knowledge of truth, his actions were not righteous. In effect, the Zoramites were led astray and would not believe Alma's words. I know a lot of people who, even though they attended church and seminary and knew the gospel, have made unrighteous decisions because of the strong influence and actions of their peers who participated actively in iniquity.

3 Nephi 8:1
When people live what they know, they are trusted. Others recognize their honesty, and that they are just. They can have the power to work miracles in the name of Christ, because they are cleansed from iniquity, showing that the Lord trusts them as well.

New Testament Class: Counsel for Members

Attributes Paul counseled members to improve:

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

• Increase in love one toward another, and toward all men



• Stablish unblameable hearts

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

• Heed the prophets
  


• Stive to please God



• Become sanctified- possess bodies with sanctification and honor



• Abstain from fornication, don't be lustful



• Don't take advantage of or wrong one another



• Be clean and holy



• Be grateful for the Spirit



• Study, gain skills, be industrious



• Be honest and dependable

1 Thessalonians 5:1-22

• Be watchful and vigilant; prepare for the Lord's coming



• Put on breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of hope of salvation



• Comfort and edify one another



• Get to know those you work with, respect them, love them



• Warn the unruly



• Comfort the feebleminded, support the weak



• Be patient toward all men



• Rejoice evermore



• Despise not prophesyings



• Pray without ceasing



• Give thanks in all things



• Quench not the Spirit (live worthy of it!)



• Prove all things, and hold fast to the good



• Abstain from all appearance of evil

2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11

• Pray for leaders and missionaries so the word may go forth



• Let the Lord direct our hearts, love God



• Wait patiently for Christ



• Don't follow the ways of those who are idle, work! Walk in the ways of Christ.
  
  

Three attributes from my list, and how I can improve:

1. Become sanctified- possess bodies with sanctification and honor. I take my "vessel" for granted. While I do care for my body, and I protect it from harm, I do not show the Lord the appreciation I should for blessing me with such a great possession. I don't realize what a privilege it is to be on this earth gaining the knowledge and mortal experiences I am. Besides showing more gratitude, I could also eat healthier. I know my body cringes at some of the things I eat!

2. Rejoice evermore. This attribute really stood out to me. I think I spend a lot of time hoping for happiness, "enduring" so that in the end I can be happy. But here we are commanded to rejoice evermore! I can rejoice even today. Once again, I think this ties in to gratitude. As I show the Lord I am grateful for the great blessings He bestows upon me, I will find that I have a lot to rejoice in, most of all the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. Let the Lord direct our hearts, love God. To me, this means submitting my will to the Lord's will. This is something I struggle with sometimes. With most things, I have no problem putting it in the Lord's hands and saying I'll do what you want me to do! But there are very few, yet precious things to me, that are much more difficult to do that with. Really, these should be the things I'm most willing to put in His hands, because He can take care of them much better than I! This attribute just reminded me how every desire in my heart needs to line up with His will, and I need to trust that this will bring me the most happiness in my life.

New Testment Class: Paul's Second Mission

1. Four cities Paul visited and later wrote epistles:

• Corinth


• Ephesus


• Galatia


• Philippi

In Acts 16: 6-10, the Holy Ghost prevented Paul and his companions from preaching in several places. Then Paul had a vision to go to Macedonia and help there. In 18:9-11, the Lord speaks to Paul again in vision, giving him comfort and encouraging him to continue teaching the word.

I will admit, up to this point in my life I have not been very responsive to the Spirit in doing missionary work. I always try to be a quiet example, but when it comes to actually speaking out and teaching, I have not had confidence in the Spirit. Lately, as I have decided to go on a mission, I have realized I just have to get over it! I study the scriptures daily, trying to keep the Spirit close and have a greater knowledge and understanding of the gospel. It's important to be prepared! I also pray for understanding, and for strength to share the things I know.

2. Paul was able to preach the gospel effectively first of all because he heeded the promptings of the Spirit. He also prayed with his companions, and spoke to people he came across. He made sure to dispose of evil spirits that interfered with the work. He had faith, and testified of Jesus Christ.

I think for Paul, every experience was a missionary opportunity! He was a true missionary in that he used every moment to represent Christ and praise the Lord. When he was only with his companions, they prayed. When there were others around, he taught, and dispelled evil showing others that they should do the same. Even in jail, he took the opportunity to praise the Lord through song, thereby creating a miraculous escape and creating an opportunity to teach the jailer about Christ.

I learned a lot from Paul's missionary experiences, but my favorite was the power of song. As a music major, I love opportunities to use my talent to serve God, and Paul's example of praising God through song really touched me. It showed how the hymns can really bring the Spirit and work miracles in people's lives. I hope I can learn to listen to the Spirit like Paul did, and be able to touch people's hearts with the Spirit of my testimony and my song.

The jailer was a true convert because he sought salvation, and then accepted the word of the Lord and believed on Christ, was baptized, and rejoiced!

As mortal beings, we cannot understand all that God understands. However, this doesn't mean that we should be satisfied with ignorance. We must learn all we can, and repent of things that we realize are wrong or that we could be better about. The Lord will be our righteous judge.

To prepare myself to share the gospel, I need to continue to strengthen my own testimony, and continue gaining more knowledge and understanding of the gospel. This will be most effective if I have the Spirit as my companion, as He will help me retain what I learn, and help me share it effectively when the times comes. I also need to be the best person I can be, and repent of things I know I should not be doing, because it would be hypocritical of me to teach of things I do not even do myself! Most importantly, I need to pray always.

New Testament Class: The Martyrdom of Stephen

1. Acts 6:6-8 describes the qualities of Stephen after he is set apart to assist the apostles. He is full of faith and the power of the priesthood, which allow him to work miracles. In Acts 7:51-60, Stephen chastens the people for denying the Holy Ghost, and testifies of the reality of God the Father and Jesus Christ. The people take offense and stone him.
Here is the impressive part. At this point, most people would probably be afraid, panicking, angry at his persecutors, perhaps cursing God for ending his life this way. However, Stephen good-naturedly calls upon God, asking Him to receive his spirit, and asks Him to "lay not this sin to their charge." What a courageous and truly humble thing to do! This is a great similitude of Jesus Christ, who forgave those who hung him on the cross.
These verses also demonstrate that the Godhead is made up of three separate beings. Stephen could not be "full of the Holy Ghost", and see God, with Jesus on His right hand, if they were not separate.

2. In Mosiah 17:7-20, Abinadi is martyred for similar reasons. He will not deny the words he spoke against King Noah and the priests, and they take offense and burn him to death. Like Stephen, Abinadi asks God to receive his spirit. The main difference I see is that Abinadi does not ask the Lord to excuse their sin, and instead boldly warns that God will execute vengeance upon them.
Both of these final testimonies of Stephen and Abinadi make me think of the scripture that says, "The guilty take the truth to be hard." These prophets are simply declaring the truth, which if accepted and followed could bring about true happiness and a very blessed people! But instead they cower in their guilt and destroy these great men so they can "feel better" about themselves. It makes me want to hold to the truth and remove the sins in my life so I can feel nothing but gratitude and the Spirit as I listen to the prophet today.