The Savior's Instructions About the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
• John 14:15–17 : 1) The Holy Ghost will abide with us and be a comforter. He will be the spirit of truth. 2)Keep the commandments
• John 14:26–27: 1) The spirit will teach all things and bring things to remembrance. Peace will be given to us. 2) Don’t be afraid and don’t let your heart be troubled.
• John 15:26–27 : 1) The spirit of truth and testify of the Father. 2) We will bear witness of the Father.
• John 16:7–8 : 1) The Holy Ghost will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. 2) We must live worthy
• John 16:13–14 : 1) The Holy Ghost will guide us in all truth and shall glorify the lord. 2) We must do the work for him to testify of truth.

·         Add to your list above as you study the following resources:

• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (p. 168) Makes us a better person spiritually, intellectually, and physically and opens us to the pure love of Christ.
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p. 168) Instructs and enlightens the minds of the faithful and bears witness.
• Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (p. 704) Bears testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants here on earth.

·         Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:

• Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection. The Holy Ghost helped the apostles fulfill their missions after the savior’s death by administering to them the things that they should do to bring the gospel to all the children of men. The same way he does for our prophets and apostles today. He is their constant companion and bears witness to the mysteries of the gospel so that we are taught correctly.
• Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you. The Holy Ghost has provided me with comfort many times. One time in particular I was really struggling and feeling alone. I had just started my first semester at college and was feeling overwhelmed. When I knelt down to pray I was pouring out my feelings. I had prayed asking to be comforted. Instantly I felt like I was being hugged. I knew that it was an answer to my prayer. 

Three Parables of Preparation

1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Study Matthew 25:1–13 and the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 25:1–13, “What Is the Meaning of the Parable of the Ten Virgins?” (pp. 154–155). Then, write responses to the following questions:
• Who does the bridegroom represent? The Savior
• Who did President Harold B. Lee say the virgins represent? Members of Christ’s church.
• What does the wedding represent? The second coming
• Why did the bridegroom come at “midnight,” while the wedding guests “slumbered and slept”? How does this apply to our waiting for the Savior’s Second Coming? The Lord has his own timetable and this means we need to be prepared for when the Savior will come at the second coming.
• What did five of the virgins do that was foolish (See Matthew 25:3)? How might a Church member today make the same error as the foolish virgins? What would the consequences be? They didn’t have oil for their lamps. A church member could make the same mistake by not doing their own preparation to build a testimony. The consequence would be the Savior not knowing us at the second coming. We wouldn’t be prepared when the second coming comes.
• What should we learn from the actions of the five wise virgins? We should learn that we need to always do the things that will spiritually prepare us for the second coming.
• Keeping in mind that the oil in the parable represents spiritual preparation for the Second Coming, what are some ways we can add “oil” to our “lamps”? What does Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57 teach about ways to add oil to our lamps? Some ways that we can add oil to our lamps is to read, pray, attend our meetings, follow the prophet. Doctrine and Covenants says that we need to let the Holy Spirit be our guide.
2. The Parable of the Talents. After studying Matthew 25:14–30 and the institute student manual, “An Explanation for the Parable of the Entrusted Talents” (p. 155), write responses to the following questions:
• Although a talent was a sum of money in New Testament times (see talent under “Weights and Measures” in the Bible Dictionary, p. 789), it can also represent all that the Lord has given us. List the rewards each of the three men received in the parable of the talents and explain why each man received that reward. What mattered more than the number of talents or gifts each received? The first received 5 talents and he doubled it. He was made ruler over many things. The second received 2 talents and he doubled it and he was made ruler over many things. The third was given one talent but he buried it. He had it taken away and was cast into outer darkness. What the person did with the talents mattered more than how many the person received.
• What reason did the third man give for hiding his talent? He said that he hid his talent because he was afraid.
• What teachings in 2 Timothy 1:7; Proverbs 3:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8; 6:33–37 can help us overcome our fears and to develop and use the talents given to us from the Lord? We should put our trust in the Lord. We need to fear God more than man.
• Outline a plan whereby you can better develop and use two of the gifts the Lord has given to you. I have been given a talent of empathy. I am able to empathize with people and I can use this to bring them to the gospel. I have also been given the gift of cooking. It is one that I am trying to further develop. I plan on trying different recipes to further my knowledge of cooking
3. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. After studying Matthew 25:31–46 and Mosiah 2:17, write responses to the following questions:
• What difference does the way we treat others make to the Lord? The Lord gave us the commandment to love our neighbors like unto ourselves. So how we treat others is very important to Him. He want us to love and serve others.
• List the six actions found in Matthew 25:35–36 that permitted “the sheep” to receive their reward at the King’s right hand. What are some spiritual or physical needs people have around you that are similar to those listed in the parable? 1) Hungry and gave meat 2) Thirsty and gave drink 3) Stranger and was taken in 4) Naked and was clothed 5) Sick and was visited 6) In prison and was went to.

Many people need are hungry or thirsty but don’t have the means to take care of that. Also, I think that many people are in their own prison spiritually speaking. They just aren’t doing the things that can bring them close to God or they don’t know about the Gospel. They need the missionaries in their lives to bring them to the truthfulness of the Gospel.

• How will following the principles of this parable about preparation for the Second Coming help someone prepare for that event? If we are serving our fellow men and teaching them we are helping them to fill their lamps one drop at a time.

Overview of the Last Week of the Savior’s Mortal Ministry

This week for my religion assignment we were studying the Last days of Jesus Christ's mortal ministry. This really helped to put the Holiday season into perspective for me. It is so easy to get swept up in the commercialism that is rampant during this time. However Christmas isn't about Santa Claus or presents. It is about our Savior being born. He is the greatest gift we have ever been given. He was born to perform the atonement. And for that we will all forever be indebted to him.

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7 (Sabbath)	Day of the Resurrection
Jesus arrives in Jerusalem and is greeted with the hosanna shout.	Cast out the money changers from the temple again. Which is a challenge to the Jewish leadership.	Jesus give parables that offend the Jewish leaders. He condemns the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites and denounces them. Jesus focuses on teaching the twelve.  Jewish leaders plot Jesus's death. Judas offers to betray Jesus.	The record is silent for this day.	Jesus organize to have Passover with his disciples. He introduces the ordinance of the Sacrament. Jesus suffered the sins of the world in Gethsemane. Jesus was taken into custody and brought to an illegal trial.	Jesus was crucified on the cross and he voluntary gave up his spirit. Then he was buried in a tomb.	Jesus' body remained in the tomb but in spirit he ministered in the realm of departed spirits.	Jesus emerged alive from the tomb. He then appeared to Mary. He then was witnessed by many. The testimony of these constitutes the gospel story.

The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also

1. Review Luke 10:1–24. Based on these verses, write a summary of the Lord’s counsel and instructions He gave the seventy.

The Lord instructs the seventy to go in pairs into the cities before him to be missionaries. Be with the people: eat with them and drink with them. He wants them to heal the people. Give peace unto the homes you enter. Preach the gospel and repentance to those you meet.

2. Articles of Faith 1:6 states, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” Using the principles taught from Luke 10:1–2, 8–9, 17–20, write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith.

The church today still sends missionaries out in pairs to preach the gospel as in Luke 10:1-2. The missionaries still eat with the people and bring peace to their homes. The priesthood is still used today for the healing of sick and afflicted. The Lord’s doctrine is the same.

3. Go to the Church’s scripture website and read the topic of “Seventy” in the Guide to the Scriptures. Describe in one or two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood.

The seventy are set apart and apostolic authority without being apostles. They give their full time to do missionary work. 

Walking on Water

1.        Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

The Apostles were troubled and scared. They thought that He was a spirit.

2.        What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

I think that his response showed the faith that Peter had. Peter’s response indicated that he trusted the Savior. He would be willing to go to the Savior if the Savior called him.

3.        According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

Peter began to sink when he became afraid.

4.        What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

Peter cried out “Lord, save me.” The word immediately. Jesus immediately stretched forth His hand.

5.        Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

In this verse the principle given is that if you are focused on doing God’s will we will be filled with knowledge and be able to comprehend all things. This relates to Peter walking on the water because he was focused on obeying the Savior. His body was filled with the light and was able to comprehend how to walk on the water. It wasn’t until he doubted that faith and focus that he fell. This can be applied to my life because if I have the faith in my Savior I will be able to handle the storms. As long as I am focused on doing God’s will I will have his light and be able to work towards comprehending all things.

The Calling of the Twelve Apostles

1.                   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.

Bartholomew is an apostle whose name may be Nathanael. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist when he met Jesus and then he introduced his brother Peter to meet Jesus. James the son of Zebedee was one of 3 in Jesus inner circle to be with the Savior on Special Occasions.

2.                   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 one who is called to bear a special witness of Jesus Christ’s life, ministry, and resurrection.

3.                   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.

Jesus was preparing his apostles for life as a missionary. He wants them to go after the lost sheep. He was teaching them to heal those who are sick and afflicted. He wants them to be generous and to ask for nothing in return.

​4.   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?

Peter, James, and John immediately forsook their lifestyle and followed Jesus. This applies to my life because Jesus is extending a similar call to me and you. He has his arms stretched forth beckoning us to come follow Him. Following the example of the 3 apostles we should forsake the world and follow the Savior. Go about doing the Lord’s will and living the commandments that we have been given. We should follow their example about being prompt. They could have easily told the Savior that they needed time to get their things in order but instead they promptly followed Him.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) I believe that the Lord has given us a prophet and 12 apostles for this dispensation. The apostles are still there to minister around the world bearing a special witness to the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ's life, mission, and resurrection. We believe that the Lord loves the world so much that He still speaks to a prophet today. The prophet is able to receive and then provide guidance and counsel for the our church and the world. (Amos 3:7) I know that the Prophet is called of God. I know that his counselors and apostles are also called of God. 

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

I am taking a New Testament religion course online through BYU-Idaho this semester. An assignment that I have chosen to do is a blog post of the thing that I am learning this week. One topic of study that I have chosen this week is the baptism of our Savior.

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus? John the baptist was hesitant to baptize Jesus because he knew that Jesus was without sin. He didn't understand the need for the Savior to be baptized. Also, Jesus had higher priesthood authority over John. John didn't feel like he had enough authority to baptize the Savior.
What is taught here about the Holy Ghost? The Holy Ghost descending like a dove is a sign of peace and innocence.
3 Reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized:

1. To be obedient to the Father
2. To set an example for the children of men
3. To fulfill all righteousness

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead? Jesus is in the river being baptized. Jesus saw The Holy Ghost "descending like a dove". Heavenly Father's voice is heard saying. "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased." 

Our Savior was baptized for us. He did this so that we may follow his example. He knew that being baptized is one of the works that needs to be done in order for us to return to our Father in Heaven. 

If you would like to learn more visit: www.mormon.org

Grateful in Any Circumstance

I'm feeling defeated!

 I'm frustrated. I don't know why nothing is working out for us. All we want is for Brian to get a job so we can support our family. Brian didn't get the job in Bakersfield. I don't understand. We thought for sure that he had this job. We prayed so much. Anytime I thought about it I sent up a little prayer. Brian fasted almost every Sunday. I'm not sure what we are supposed to do more. It kills me to see how Brian is reacting to this. I hate seeing him upset or discouraged. He thinks he is a failure. It breaks my heart to see him like this.

I know that Heavenly Father loves us and cares but it is so easy to feel forgotten. After Brian found out I just crumbled. We were counting on this job. Relying on our savings account isn't going to support us forever. I'm not sure what Heavenly Father wants from us. 

I knew I needed to read my scriptures. I used the search bar to search "trials". This was the first thing that popped up for me.

"I have Heard their prayers, and will accept their offering; and it is expedient in me that they should be brought thus far for a trial of their faith." 

Doctrine and Covenants 105:19

That was exactly what I needed to hear. I know that this trial was placed in front of us for a reason. 

I know that Our Heavenly Father loves us and is always there for us. 

As much as I wish that we had a job and a place of our own it is nice that Emery gets to grow up around family. 

I am just taking a deep breath and believing that another job will be placed in front of us. 

I am trying to be grateful for the place we are at in our life.

You can read or watch the rest here: https://www.lds.org/grateful-in-any-circumstances