Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

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.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

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.

Monday, June 6, 2011

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)