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.