The Savior Anointed

While dining with His disciples, the Savior is anointed by a woman with a very precious oil. This briefly becomes a point of disagreement with some of them who feel that she has wasted something that is valuable, and could have been used for a better purpose.  In His response, the Savior implies that the woman understood what was coming, and that she was there to anoint Him, prior to his death and burial.  What she did was so selfless and considerate.  Who knows what this small gift must have cost her, or what sacrifices might have been made that enabled her to serve the Savior at the end of His ministry. I often wonder what I could give.  I realize that I really don’t have much to give that would be of any value to the Savior….certainly nothing material would be of much worth.  All I really have to give is my heart, my will, my time, my pride.  I can give more love and effort in my calling, striving harder to understand the youth I teach in Sunday School, and love them a little more.  I could be a better visiting teacher, and a much better neighbor.  The best thing I can give Him is to follow Him and keep my covenants.

Preparing for the Second Coming

Watch!  In Mark 13, the Savior admonishes us to watch for the day of his coming.   He says to watch that we be not deceived, pray for we don't know when he will come, and to watch for those who challenge our testimonies. We are further taught to 'stand in Holy places' and wait for the Lord to come. If we want to be ready for the Lord, we must seek after truth and hold tightly to our testimonies and live the truths that we know.

The Widow's Mite

A certain woman came to the temple to give her offering.  She put in two mites.  Others around her gave great riches, but she gave all that she had.  The beautiful part of this story is how she gave everything in a spirit of sacrifice and love of God.  We, like this woman, can give of ourselves in the same spirit of consecration.  One of the things we can give is our time.  It seems that it is easy for most to give of themselves financially,  but it is more difficult to find time.  When we seek to serve others in a sprit of love and sacrifice the time that is needed, we truly consecrate what we have to the Lord.

Christ and the Rich Young Ruler

Commentary on Matthew 19:16-30

The Savior is approached by what we understand to be a good and righteous young man.  He desires to have the promise of eternal life, and asks the Master what he needs to do.  The response that is given is that he needs to keep the commandments.  The young man’s response is “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” Jesus answers that he needs to sell all that he has, give the money to the poor, and follow the Savior.  He goes away, sorrowful, thus choosing to keep his possessions rather than do as the Savior bid him to.  Earlier in His ministry, the Savior taught that we ought to lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven, and that our heart will belong to that which we treasure.  It is a hard thing to give up worldly wealth and possessions for something that is intangible, such as eternal life, if we do not love God more than we love our things.  As was the case for the rich young ruler, so it is with us.  We all have something we can give up to fully follow the Savior.  We know what those things are, and it is not always the physical things that are required.  We can sacrifice our whole hearts, give up our little sins and transgressions which keep up from following the Savior to the extent that we should.  When we put the Lord at the front and center of our day, every day, we are blessed the have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.  He can touch our hearts and inspire us to know what changes we need to make, and give us the courage to give up the worldly treasures that our hearts are set upon.

True Discipleship (Choice 2, Unit 1)

A true disciple of Christ:

Seeks for truth

Focuses on Heavenly treasures, not earthly treasures

Serves his fellowmen

Strives to keep the commandments

Loves the Savior above all else

 

One of these, in particular, is key to all the others.  When we love the Savior first, the rest of our life falls into its proper place.  It isn’t that lie suddenly becomes easier, but our ability to follow Christ and be changed by Him increases as our love for Him grows.  I find that my love for others, my desire to learn truth, to seek after Heavenly treasures, to serve, and to be obedient also increases.  True disciples of Jesus Christ try to keep their life in harmony with the teachings of the gospel. Discipleship results in good choices which are driven by a deep love and devotion to Jesus Christ. It really requires all that we are able to give of ourselves, and then some. 

Unit 2: Become as Little Children

Children are so precious in the sight of our Savior.  They are meek and submissive, humble and easily instructed.  We are all children of our Heavenly Father, and He desires to have us and love us like children.  He wants us to return to Him and He desires to pour out blessings upon us.  We can be like little children by submitting to the will of the Father.  We can lean on the Savior, Jesus Christ, for our support and rely on His perfect Atonement to compensate for our inadequacies.  Small children are sinless, and though we are not sinless, we can be made perfect in Christ.

The Faith to Walk on Water (Unit 1, Choice 3)

On a particular afternoon, Jesus sent His disciples out to sea while he remained behind to pray.  After a while, He joins them at sea.  He walked to them on the water, astonishing all of them.  Peter is permitted to join the Savior and miraculously also walks on the water.  He had tremendous faith.  However, Peter sank when he started to pay attention to the storm that was bustling around him and he became afraid.  He cries out to the Lord who immediately reaches for him.  I love the lesson in this story.  We must exercise great faith in Jesus Christ, and when we do great miracles happen for us.  I can’t help but feel that the greatest miracle happens when we cry out to the Lord and He immediately reaches to save us.  When I experience trials or difficulties, I, like Peter, can call out to the Savior with pure faith and trust, and He will be there for me.

Why the Lord teaches in Parables

The Bible Dictionary teaches that the Savior used parables to veil the meaning.  To those who seek a deeper understanding of a principle of the gospel, the parable was a way to teach to their level of understanding.  To those who were not seekers of truth, the parable was a nice story, but held no real meaning. 

 

One of my favorite parables that the Savior used is the parable of the treasure.  It is so brief.  A man discovers a great treasure in a field and, in his excitement, sells everything he has so he can then purchase the land.  The Savior compares this treasure to the kingdom of heaven.  Now, a parable is only as good if we are able to do something with it to make our lives better.  In this case, I would ask the question, “What am I willing to do that I may receive that great treasure that is heaven?”  This answer is personal for each of us.  For me, I think that answer is to give up the little things that waste time that could be better spent on meaningful pursuits.  Relationships, in my opinion, should always come before ‘stuff’ so if I am too busy tending to the ‘stuff’ in my life, I am often pushing aside the more important things like playing with my kids or getting to know a neighbor.  This gospel is a gospel for people.  We should be busily making people the center of what we do.

Week 3, Unit 1, Choice 2

Week 3, Unit 1, Choice 2
Study the miracles performed by the Savior, and write about how they influence your faith.

Reference	Miracles of the Lord	Who Demonstrated Faith
Matthew 8:1-4	Jesus cleansed and healed a leper	The Leper
Matthew 8:5-13	Jesus heals a the servant of a centurion	The centurion has faith, as does the servant
Matthew 8:14-15	Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law	Peter
Matthew 8:16	Jesus heals many who are sick and are afflicted with devils	All who are healed
Matthew 8:23-27	Jesus calms the storm while out at sea with his disciples	The disciples did not have faith, so the Savior strengthens their faith through the working of a miracle
Matthew 8:28-34	He casts out 2 devils in 2 men	The men show their faith
Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34	The woman with an issue of blood is healed by touching his clothing	She shows great faith!
Matthew 9:27-31	Two blind men are healed and given their sight	They both show perfect faith.
Mark 2:1-12	A boy who is sick with palsy is both forgiven of his sins, and healed of his infirmity.	Those who brought the boy had faith, and perhaps the boy did as well.

​

My faith has been strengthened by reading the accounts of the Savior healing people and offering His forgiveness.  What touches me most is when the Savior forgives people of their sins.  The power to heal is amazing, but the power to forgive even more so!  I have personally felt the redeeming power of the Atonement as I have forsaken sins and asked for forgiveness.  Faith in Jesus Christ makes all the difference in how I see the world, and in how I make choices each day.

 

Unit 2, Choice 8: John 2. Water to Wine and Cleansing the Temple

In chapter 2 of St. John, there is a story of Jesus attending a marriage ceremony. His mother was also in attendance and takes note that there is no wine for the marriage.  She tells Jesus about it.  Jesus responds to her, “Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee?  That will I do; for mine hour is not yet come.”  I love that he responded to his mother so quickly, and in turn she faithfully asks the servants to do whatever he says.  His instruction is for them to fill the waterpots with water.  Then he causes them to become wine.  This is astonishing for those present. It is a miracle.  The scriptures tell us that each waterpot is two or three firkins apiece. A firkin is about 9 gallons, so this was no small thing.  This wedding celebration was quite large, and he was able to perform a miracle that would provide wine enough for all the people in attendance.  I think I always just thought it was a few cups, just a small token of kindness, when in reality it was a big service to provide.

            In that passage, the Savior refers to his mother as ‘woman.’  At this time, calling someone ‘woman’ was a term of respect and endearment and was spoken out of pure love for the mother who cared for him. 

            The Savior makes a visit to the temple, sometime following the marriage.  He drives out all those who were seeking for personal gain within the temple. I think one of the lessons we learn from this is that the Savior wants us to be clean and attend the temple with a pure heart and righteous intentions, seeking after the will of our Father.  We have to be prepared to worship, and then take care to treat the temple as a holy place and leave behind the things of the world.

 

A Real Live Update!

It has literally been a few years since I gave this blog any attention, and a LOT of life has happened since then.  I'm currently using the blog as a way to share some things I am studying in a New Testament class.  I thought it might be fun to give a family update though.

We live in Rhode Island.....for now.  That is going to change soon.  We are awaiting a new assignment with the Navy which will take Shawn back to a ship.  We are all gearing up for it. I feel pretty out of practice with flying solo.  Hopefully it'll be like riding a bike.....

 

Jack (you haven't met him yet)

 

Sam (he's the baby on the sidebar--->)

 

Sarah (you haven't met her either)

 

One of my favorite spots

 

My Momma (she's awesome!)

 

Daddy, Grant, and Nora (hiding behind her hair)

 

All of us...silly faces included but unintentional

 

My cute soccer-loving Alex

 

Mom and Pops

 

Grant

 

Nora

 

A bunch of cuties!

Unit 1, Choice 2

Thoughts on John the Baptist

The story of Zacharias and Elizabeth is a very touching one.  Prior to the birth of John, Zacharias is told that he will have joy and gladness and that there would be many that would rejoice because of his birth.  This comes to pass when the child is born and is presented and given a name.  Elizabeth rejoiced, and Zacharias testified that John would fulfill a very sacred and special role of teaching the gospel and prepare people for the coming of Jesus Christ.  His arrival would have been greatly anticipated by those who read and understood the prophecies concerning the one who would baptize the Messiah.  Mary also anticipated the special arrival of John the Baptist and rejoiced with her cousin as they waited for these special sons to be born.  The account states that ‘the babe leaped in her womb’ when she greeted Elizabeth, so even the Savior awaited the special event with great excitement.  John was a great preacher and prophet who completely fulfilled his special mission of preparing the way for the Savior of the world.

Lesson 6, Unit 2, Choice 1

Choice 1: Jude. “Keep Yourselves in the Love of God”

1. Read Jude 1:1–3 and explain in writing how you can multiply mercy, peace, and love. How can you appropriately “contend for the faith”? 

We can multiply mercy, peace, and love by following the example of our Savior.  During His ministry on earth, He sought opportunities to love others by seeking to understand them, and reaching out to serve.  We can do the same in our neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and communities. 

If we desire to ‘contend for the faith’ we must do so in a respectful manner.  When we find ourselves in conversation with people that disagree with us, we can assert our beliefs and testify of truth.  We should always be careful to have the Holy Ghost with us.  His role is to comfort and to testify.  If He is present, we can have a better experience in standing up for the truth and invite others to come unto Christ.

 

2. Read Jude 1:4–19 and complete the following tasks in writing:
• Using the Bible footnotes and Jeremiah 1:5, identify the doctrine referred to in the phrase “first estate” from Jude 1:6.

The ‘first estate’ refers to those who chose to follow Jehovah and God in the preexistence. 

• Read the institute student manual commentary for Jude 9, “What Do We Know Concerning the Dispute Which Michael the Archangel Had with the Devil About the Body of Moses?” (p. 439); Article of Faith 1:8. How would you explain this odd disputation between Satan and Michael?

It would appear that those teachings referred to by Jude were not entirely correct.  We believe the bible to be true as far as it’s translation is correct.  That is the only explanation for the strange exchange between Satan and Michael, that some part of this story is missing.

• What does Jude 1:14 say about who will accompany the Savior at the Second Coming?

It says He will come with His saints; Those who chose to follow Him and keep his commandments.

3. Study Jude 1:17, 20–25. Write one or two paragraphs explaining how we can avoid the evils that often come from false teachers. 

We avoid the evils that come from false teachings by remembering the covenants that we have made, specifically the baptismal covenant to ‘always remember Him.’  When we remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are blessed to be able to identify teachings that are true and recognize false doctrine.  This is important because listening to false teachings will lead us away and may cause us to sin.

Lesson 6, Unit 1, Question 5

Choice 5: 2 John. Abide “in the Doctrine of Christ”

1. Read 2 John 1:7 and the institute student manual commentary for 2 John 7, “For Many Deceivers Are Entered into the World” (p. 437). Summarize in one or two ​paragraphs the false doctrine John warned against, where it came from, and what effect it would have if it were believed.
2.  Read 2 John 1:8–13. Write one or two sentences explaining what counsel John gave that could help avoid this and other false doctrines generally.

 

John taught us that ‘many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.’ To take this a little further, we understand such deception to openly argue that there is no Christ, and that there has been no Atonement made nor resurrection for the saving of the body and soul.  There are many who seek to push such doctrine in our day.  Many people who were once believers in Jesus Christ are led away subtly and carefully by half-truths and then full lies until they no longer believe in and accept Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.

 

We need to be wary of such false doctrine.  We live in a time where it is preached loudly, softly, harshly, and subtly, and when it is very difficult to distinguish between truth and lie.  The only way to be safe from such trickery is to watch ourselves in the things that we do and the people we choose to associate with.  We much seek after, the teach, the true doctrine of Christ in our homes.  We must repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.  And we must keep the companionship of the Holy Ghost always, that we may not be caught off-guard and fall into Satan’s trap.

Unit 2, Choice 4 (Lesson 5)

Choice 4: 1 Peter 1–4. The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious than Gold

Read 1 Peter 1:1–9; 2:12, 15, 20–25; 3:11–16; 4:12–19. Write two to three paragraphs using the principles of these verses to explain to someone who says, “Life isn’t fair. Why do I have to have so many trials? I’m tired of being ridiculed by those who do not keep the commandments.”

 

Dear Friend,

                I’m sorry you feel that life isn’t fair.  The truth is, it isn’t fair.  We don’t always get to have the popsicle color we want, money runs out, jobs are lost, we all get sick, loved ones die, and these things happen whether or not we keep the commandments and stay true to the gospel.  The good news is that the perfect Atonement of Jesus Christ is what makes life fair!  When we choose to endure our trials with patience and faith, we are strengthened by Him.

                Peter teaches us that if we are doing our best to endure well and keep the commandments, that we will have a clean conscience.  We will know that our works are pleasing to the Lord.  If we find ourselves ridiculed or harassed because we choose to do good, even in those moments where we seem to have been abandoned, we can take courage that through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our trials have not been for nothing.  If we were to choose to abandon our faith and do evil things, we would not have the assurance that comes with knowing that the Lord is on our side.

                Do not be discouraged when it seems that life has treated you unfairly.  Allow those difficult experiences to teach you patience and humility.  You will find a sweet peace that will come in humbly turning to the Lord in your afflictions.  Your good works will certainly stand as a witness of your faith when you return to meet our Father.

~Michelle

Unit 1, Choice 3

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

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

Paul counseled us to ‘let brotherly love continue.’  We should have as much compassion, love, and kindness toward those who are imprisoned as we do for those who are not. 

• How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is honorable, always.  Sexual relationships outside of marriage are never permissible to the Lord.

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

We should refrain from expressing our feelings of jealousy in our conversations, and should likewise simply not be jealous of others.  When we are content, there is no room in our hearts for desiring wwhat others have.  We are so much happier.  There are some dangers in coveting that go beyond simple feelings of jealousy.  These simple feelings can lead to regrettable actions such as debt or worse, stealing.  President Hinckley said this, ”Debt can be a terrible thing. It is so easy to incur and so difficult to repay. Borrowed money is had only at a price, and that price can be burdensome. Bankruptcy generally is the bitter fruit of debt. It is a tragic fulfillment of a simple process of borrowing more than one can repay.”  When we learn to be content, we keep ourselves free from the bondage of greed and debt.

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

Jesus Christ is the same “yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”  His gospel never changes, His Atonement is perfect and eternal.

• How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through the blood of Jesus Christ.  His was the sacrifice to end all sacrifice.  Through Him, we can be cleansed and justified from our sins.

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We should obey those who rule over us.  We submit ourselves to them, for the watch over our souls and have responsibility over us.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

He asked the people to pray for their leaders.  What a burden they carry. We too must pray for our leaders that they may have the strength needed to do the Lord’s work.

Unit 2, Choice 1

 Hebrews 5-7. Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek

 

1. Read Hebrews 5:4; Numbers 27:18, 23; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11; Articles of Faith 1:5. From these verses describe in writing the Lord’s approved pattern for how someone comes to be a priesthood leader. How do we know who has authority in the Church today?

 

Priesthood leaders are called of God and set apart by the laying on of hands. The person who calls and sets them apart must have the proper authority to do so.  No person can simply take a priesthood leadership position on their own without each of the proper elements in place.

 

 

2.    Read Hebrews 5:7-8; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 5:7-8, “Does the Phrase ‘Though He Were a Son’ Apply to Melchezidek, to Christ, or to Both?” (p. 384). Write the answers to the following questions:

o       Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest?

 

He was a very righteous man who established and maintained peace, and his people also sought after righteousness.  He was a living foreshadow typifying of Jesus Christ. 

 

o       List a few of the miracles he performed according to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40.

 

Verse 30-31 state that he had power to “break up mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to [defy] armies, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God.”  It seems that the power to perform these miracles is available to everyone who is ordained after the same order as Melchizedek.

 

o       What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?

 

Abram, or Abraham.

 

o       Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4 and explain why we call the greater priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood.

 

This was to avoid vainly and repetitiously using the name of God.

 

3.    Read Hebrews 6:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What important doctrinal correction did Joseph Smith make in Hebrews 6:1? (See footnote a).

He noted that the verse should read “Therefore not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ”

o       Why is it important that a person not leave behind faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost are the very foundation of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.  Without these things, we lose the very essence of the gospel of salvation, which is to allow the children of God to repent and return to Him through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

 

4.    Read Hebrews 6:4-6; Alma 24:30; Doctrine and Covenants 76:31-38 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 6:4-6, “What Must People Do in Order to ‘Crucify To Themselves the Son of God Afresh, and Put Him to an Open Shame’?” (p.385). According to Matthew 12:31, how serious is the sin described in Hebrews 6:4-6? Write what a person must do to become a son of perdition and what the eventual punishment will be.

This is the most serious of sins: to deny the Holy Ghost after knowing of a surety and having a personal witness that Jesus is the Christ, and of the plan of salvation.  They will suffer for their blatant sins against God, and will not be redeemed.  (Personal thought here….)I wonder if it is because they no longer have faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ.  In order for the atonement to have place in us we must first have faith, and then repent.  Based on the scriptural evidence, it would seem that it is only open rebellion that creates a son of perdition.  I think the path that is taken for those people begins at least with a lack of true faith, and perhaps ends that way as well.

 

5.   Read the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 7:3, “Was Melchizedek ‘Without Father, Without Mother, Without Descent’?” (p. 385). Identify in writing who Hebrews 7:3 is speaking of.

The right to the priesthood is not something that is passed down from father to son (although it can be conferred on a son by a father, or on a father by a son), rather it follows the proper order through righteousness.  This verse is specifically referring to the priesthood, not to an individual.

Lesson 4, Student Choice 1

Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

·      People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

This is certainly something that happens frequently, I think.  It is no surprise since the world is made up of people with many different personalities and experiences.  Paul’s counsel is to ‘do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God.’  This is important because it isn’t the way that we feel about things that matters, rather it is the way we choose to respond to difficult situations that matters.  Whether we really like each other or not, we who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ have a sacred duty to follow his example in treating others better than ourselves.

·      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 (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

I believe that, for a time, it is perfectly okay for young people to rely on the testimony of their parents (or teachers, leaders, friends) until they are strong enough to rely on their own.  Even Elder Holland said in a recent general conference that it was okay to rely on his testimony until we have our own.  That said, it is important for each individual to become spiritually self-reliant.  Salvation is really an individual matter so it is up to the individual to come to know Christ and accept his Atonement.  I have to include this fantastic quote from this student manual, because President McKay explains it so eloquently: “To work out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine.” (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p. 7.)

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

This is a tough place to be in.  I have no personal experience with this.  However, I believe, and Paul also taught, that when we give up everything to know Jesus Christ, our friends and family too if necessary, then He will make up the difference.  When we walk with the Savior, even if that path is sometimes a little lonely, we are never really alone.

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

If we ever have a question about how to live the gospel, we can always find the answers we seek in the scriptures.  We may not always find the exact situation as lived by someone else, but through gospel study, through feasting on the words of Jesus Christ, we can receive the needed revelation to solve the problems that we may face.

Week 4, Unit 2, Choice 1

Unit 2, Choice 1: Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

Here are some of my thoughts about Paul’s teachings to the Romans. 

If we desire to have salvation in Christ, we must continually work righteousness.  We do this by keeping the commandments, honoring our covenants, and enduring the trials we must bear.  We do these things in faith and then we can have the gift of eternal life with God. Paul offers some suggestions of ways that we should live that we may attain this gift:

Keep ourselves unspotted from the world

Cleave unto things that are good

Give to those who stand in need

Be united and not prideful

Overcome evil with good

Be subject unto God-be humble

Love one another

Keep all of the commandments

 

            These are very basic standards that are easy to live by, and contribute to a wholesome life.  In addition to those things, Paul teaches that we should not judge each other.  God loves all of us, and though we may see the world differently, we should not contend with our friends and neighbors, but should seek to keep peace with them.  We should not judge one another, for we all live and die to God and will stand to be judge of Him.  Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27 gives us even more insight on why we should not judge.  In essence it teaches what the world calls ‘the golden rule’ which is, of course where we treat others the way we want to be treated.  We are courteous, respectful, and above all, loving.

Paul refers to the church members as saints.  I think he sees them as faithful individuals who should be united in their actions through their belief in Jesus Christ.  We also refer to ourselves as latter-day saints, and strive to be true followers of Christ, “living as saints should live” through the honoring and keeping of sacred commandments and covenants.

 

Student Choice Lesson 3, Unit 1

Student Choice Week 4, Choice 3

Baptism: Romans 6

Prior to being baptized, all must repent of their sins.  Paul describes this beautifully in Romans 6:12: “…reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  This description sums up the symbolism in the previous scriptures, where Jesus Christ’s death symbolizes the death of, or giving up of our sins, and gaining a new life in Him.  Baptism must be done by immersion to symbolize a complete change in ourselves, through this symbolic death, followed by a rising up out of the water and a new and clean individual.  Baptism by sprinkling does not carry with it the same meaning, nor change and commitment to leave behind the sins of the past.  Paul teaches that we are to yield ourselves to God, and not to sin, continually repenting through the Savior.  In the book of Mosiah, King Benjamin teaches that “the natural man is an enemy to God.”  When we repent and are baptized, this is what we are actually giving up: the easiness of following our basest desires and instincts for a life of self-mastery and submission to God’s will.  This is not the easier choice, to be sure.  Rather, it is the choice which will provide lasting happiness and inner peace.

“No Man Can Serve Two Masters”

We cannot live in sin and expect to receive the grace of God.  A choice must be made to sin or to not sin; Also, whether or not to repent when we have sinned.  The choices we make are the very things that indicate whom we prefer to serve.  If we are subjects to sin, then we are the servant of the tempter and his angels.  We become imprisoned by our choice to follow Satan and often have difficulty abandoning wicked practices.  When we choose the abandon those sins, we become free to really live.  When we are willing to give up something we might really like in order to become a disciple of Christ, then we know we are a true servant and follower of Him.  Christ is the only true source of freedom.  Through Him we have life free from oppression caused by sin.  Through Him we have happiness and joy.  This is liberty:  To live and love after the manner of happiness through Jesus Christ, the life and light of the world.