Teaching

Choice #2

2 Peter 2

Characteristics of false teachers described by Peter

·      Those who bring in damnable heresies

·      Denying the Lord

·      Bring upon themselves swift destruction

·      Those that lust after wickedness

·      Despise government

How Do These Characteristics Help You Recognize False Teachers Today
People who despise government obviously are those that do not like to follow rules. The Lord has set out a list of "rules" for us, and we are commanded to keep them. If a false teacher goes against rules, you know that they are most likely going to go again'st God.

If a teacher denies the Lord, and his prophets today, you have a good idea that He is not getting the doctrine from the Lord for our day and age. For the most part, a lot of what the Lord and his prophets taught back in biblical times are the same today as they were yesterday. However, there are some new doctrine that prophets receive for today, and they help us get through the difficulties that occur in today's age.

The dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world.”

In D&C 82, we learn that “he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.” Also, if we have repented of our sins, and if we choose to go back to our old ways of sinning, the former sins return. What I also got out of these scriptures, especially in 2 Peter 2 is once you’ve learned how happy you are when you’re righteous, you can see how awful it feels to be unrighteous. It’s like black and white. The Lord knows we face many challenges while we’re here on the earth, and he blesses us for our efforts for keeping his commandments. However, when we choose not to follow his ways, we are damned.

The Trial Of Our Faith is More Precious Than Gold

Choice #4

1 Peter

We are given trials as a way to test our faith, obedience, and to help us learn and grow from our experiences. When trials come our way, I think we sometimes forget that we have the Lord there to help us, especially when it feels like we are all alone in the situation. I know that whenever I am experiencing a trial, I always think that I can get through it myself, but as time continues to go on, and the trial only gets harder, it seems I remember at the last minute that I can turn to my Lord and Savior for help and guidance. Each time, they help lift the burden off of my shoulders.

Every trial we go through, we learn from it, and it helps make us stronger people. I think the most important thing I learn from every trial is how much I know the Lord does love me. He is always there for me, and I know he will help me get through it. The Lord does not give us these trials because he does not love us. He wants us to rely on Him, and to remember that He is always there for us no matter what.

One of the most important things we can do when we experience a trial is to not go astray. If we stay on His path, and endure these trials, we will be blessed.

Works of Righteousness

Hebrews 13—Choice #3

 

How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

With love and kindness.

How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is looked upon as honorable, and God will judge those who choose to commit adultery or are not chaste.

What warnings are given about covetousness?

Let all conversations avoid covetousness, so that we may be content with the things that we have. The Lord wants us to turn to Him for help, that is why we may not have all the things we desire on this earth.

What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. He will never change in the way He believes, and will never leave us.

How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through Christ’s atonement. He shed His own blood and suffered for our sins.

How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We must obey those that rule over us, for they are the ones who will help keep us safe and out of harms way.

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

I believe Paul is asking us to pray for the leaders, so that they may be able to do what is best for us.

Entering into the Lord's Rest

Choice #6

Hebrews 3-4

1.    What group of people was refused entrance into the Lord’s rest?

Those that sinned and did not repent, and those with an evil heart of unbelief.

2.    What sins caused them to forfeit this privilege?

Being unbelievers, and having hardened hearts so as not to hear the gospel messages.

3.    How does D&C 84:23-24 help define what is the Lord’s rest?

It defines the “Lord’s rest” as the fullness of His glory. Also, in the Institute Manual, you learn more about the meaning, and describes it as a life of paradise, a state of peace, an a place where we can rest from all our troubles.

4.    What sins did Paul repeatedly warn against so as not to incur the same punishment?

Not to be unbelievers, continually sin, and to not harden your hearts.

5.    How do you think the warnings in Hebrews 3:12-15 apply to us?

We live in a time where there is so much sin that is surrounding us. These warnings apply to us as a way to let us know that if we listen and follow the desires of Christ, and endure to the end, we will be saved. 

6.    List the counsel found in Hebrews 4 that will help a person enter into the rest of the Lord.

If we have faith, an open heart, and always believe, then we will be able to enter into the rest of the Lord.

7.    How do Matthew 7:21-23; John 7:17; James 1:22 help in understanding how the word needs to be “mixed with faith”? (Hebrews 4:2-3).

When we have faith, we are more likely to follow the words of the Lord. If we do what is asked of the Lord, we know and understand His doctrine and what He expects of us.

Be Thou An Example of the Believers

Choice #1

Philipians 1-4

People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week? What does Philippians 2:1-9, 14-15 say about it?

We should be likeminded and be as one, like Christ is one with the Father. Heavenly Father gives us guidance through leaders in the church who are called by Him, and Him alone. These leaders are inspired and given revelation from the Father regarding what is best for the members of the ward. If we murmur about the petty matter in church meetings, we are murmuring to God and I feel it shows that we do not care.

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. (Philippians 2:12-15 and the Institute Student Manual)

Our salvation relies solely on our testimonies. We cannot just believe that Jesus is the Christ. We must take action, and show that we believe and have faith. We have been told many times that in order to have a testimony we must act upon it. We may “borrow” our parents’ testimony, but it is up to us to gain our own testimonies. “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12. We can gain a testimony by attending church, reading the scriptures and asking the Father if it is true, and bearing your testimony of the gospel. Sometimes you may think you may not have a testimony, but if you bear it, you may come to find that you indeed have one.

An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does. (Philippians 3;7-16; 4:13)

I have never been in a situation like this, but know a couple people who have/or are in this situation. It’s sad to see that families will disown children over religion, however, if we follow the Lord, he will bless us and help us overcome the struggles we are facing. In Philippians 4:13 it says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Christ will strengthen us when we follow His will.

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

We have answers to questions right in front of us, if we seek them out. Scriptures contain all the answers we need to know, all we need to do is study them, and ask the Lord for help as we search these answers. “The words of Christ will tell you all things that ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3)

Live As Saints Should Live Romans 12-16

Choice #1

Review Romans 13:11 an look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; D&C 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

The word “nearer” in Romans 13:11 refers to the Second Coming. It is important that we keep the commandments, repent, and endure to the end if we want to receive eternal life.

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.

·      Romans 12:1—present our bodies; stay worthy

·      Romans 12:2—do not give into the pressures of the world

·      Romans 12:9—Stay away from evil, and cleave to good

·      Romans 12:13—serve others

·      Romans 12:16—do not judge others; “be of the same mind one toward another”

·      Romans 12:21—overcome evil with good

·      Romans 13:1—powers are ordained by God

·      Romans 13:3—do good

·      Romans 13:8—love one another

·      Romans 13:9—keep the commandments

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

·      What cautions did Paul give about judging?

It is not our responsibility to judge others, therefore we shouldn’t judge. It is the Lord who has the ability to do so.

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

Not to judge them for their practices, and respect them. I know I would not want to be judge for what I believe in.

·      What additional insight comes from reading D&C 38:25-27?

What I took from it is that we should all see others as equals, as we are all equally loved by our Father in Heaven. Therefore, we shouldn’t judge others for what they have or what they don’t have.

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.

He referred to them as saints. Maybe this has no relevance, but it also makes me realize that today, we are known as “latter-day saints.” We are in the last days until Jesus comes again.

Baptism - Romans 6

What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

We must repent of our sins, and choose to live righteously. It is important to remember that when we repent of our sins, we promise not to repeat them again.

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

Baptism is like unto death, as we are buried under water, it represents Christ’s death, and as we are raised out of the water, it represents Christ when he was raised from the dead. Baptism is a symbolism of a new life, as our sins are washed away and we are clean.

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

Sprinkling doesn’t represent the symbolism of Christ’s death. You need to be emerged from the water in order to be baptized and cleansed from sin.

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

We can maintain the “newness of life” by choosing to live righteously and serving God.

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

The natural man

Romans 6:14-23

We are the servants of either righteousness or sin, depending upon the life we choose to live. When we choose to live unworthily, we become the servants of Satan, as we continue to follow his ways. We become trapped as we sin continuously, and forget what is good from evil. If we choose to live righteously, we are the servants of God, and we will be blessed for our efforts. Heavenly Father loves us so much, He gives us so many opportunities to repent and return to Him again. If we live righteously, we will be free from sin.