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.