Lesson 6 Unit 2 Choice 2 The Holy Ghost

For this assignment I chose to read and answer questions regarding the Holy Ghost. It is Unit 2, Choice 2. I posted my work on my blog at vonronicasviews.blogger.com. My reference materials were the New Testament, the Bible Dictionary, and The New Testament Made Easier. I chose this assignment for the opportunity to study more about the Holy Ghost. I enjoy learning and studying. I remember feeling awe and reverence for the Holy Ghost after teaching a visiting teaching message where I was reminded that the Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He deserves my reverence. I am also aware that it is my choice through my actions whether or not I have his companionship. He is easily offended by media choice, music with dark messages and rhythms, and of course my thoughts and actions. I pray often for the courage to choose the right so I will have his companionship. I also pray to feel the spirit at church and these prayers are consistently answered. I am grateful to have had this choice to study about the Holy Ghost. Reading more scriptures and articles would enlarge the knowledge gained from this assignment.

Lesson 6   Unit 2   Choice 2

• John 14:15-17  The Holy Ghost can abide with us. We must be confirmed members of the church to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
• John 24:26-27  The Holy Ghost will teach all things and bring the things Jesus taught to remembrance.  The Holy Ghost will bring peace so we are not afraid.
• John 15:26-27  The Holy Ghost will testify and bear witness of Jesus Christ.
• John 16:7-8  The Holy Ghost will reprove the world in respect to sin and righteousness. He will stand as a witness against those that reject righteousness.
• John 16:13-14  The Holy Ghost will speak truth as told to Him by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He will show things to come. He will bear witness of Jesus.

From the Institute Manual:

The Holy Ghost quickens the intellectual faculties. It enlarges increases, expands, and purifies natural passions and affections and adapts them by wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires, cultivates, and matures our sympathies, joys, tastes, and feelings. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. He is a personage of spirit. His mission is to instruct and enlighten those who are faithful in keeping commandments. He bears witness of the truth. He is a special messenger and reveals the mysteries of the kingdom. He carries out the will of the Father and the Son. He is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit. He is manifested both as the power of the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power of the Holy Ghost is a convincing witness before baptism. The Holy Ghost gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ. The gift of the Holy Ghost comes only after baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands. The gift allows companionship of the Holy Ghost to those who live worthy. The Holy Ghost is able to sanctify and purify a person from all sin, which explains why He is referred to as “fire”.

• The apostles were left with the task of taking the gospel to all the world. The task of missionary work takes dedication and perseverance. This responsibility was left on their shoulders, but they were not alone. With the influence of the Holy Ghost they would teach as the Holy Ghost carried their message in to the hearts of those that listened and were pure. The Holy Ghost was the witness to those they taught to the convincing them to be baptized. The apostles would have had the Holy Ghost as their constant companion as they taught due to their obedience to the commandments. The disciples were carrying out the instructions of Jesus therefore the Holy Ghost would have been supportive as he carries out the will of the Father and the Son.

• The way I feel the influence of the Holy Ghost is when I receive answers to my questions and prayers. I feel like my testimony has been a journey where gospel questions are answered through scripture or experiences. In August I was helping my daughter in California. I had taken my 21 month old granddaughter Penelope to the park. We had wandered all around the park playing on all the toys. When it was time to leave we walked to the car when I realized the keys to the car had fallen out of my pocket. I was a little bit frantic. It was too far to walk home with Penelope. As I turned back to the park I prayed in my heart to find the keys. Penelope and I walked toward the splash pad where I had sat and watched her play. I looked behind the cement wall where I had been sitting to watch and there I found the keys. It was the very first place I looked. I had received an answer to my prayer. I felt the influence of the Holy Ghost that day. A few weeks later I told some of my other granddaughters about the lost keys. I wanted to testify to them that my prayer was answered. They anxiously listened as I told them the story. The Holy Ghost touched their hearts as I shared this story. I also bore my testimony about this experience. Again the Holy Ghost helped me tell the story and he carried the message that my prayer was answered into the hearts of those listening. 

Lesson 6 Choice 1

For this assignment I chose the option to read and answer questions regarding three parables including the Parable of the Ten Virgins. I made this choice because I love the story of the ten virgins. I love the truth that it teaches us. My resources were the LDS scriptures and The New Testament Made Easier. 

Parable of the Ten Virgins

·         In the Parable of the Ten Virgins the Bridegroom represents Jesus Christ.

·         The virgins represent the believers in Christ.

·         The wedding represents the Second Coming of Christ.

·         The bridegroom comes at night to signify the importance of watching and being ready for his appearance always. No one knows when he will come. Those that are prepared will be able to meet him at any hour. This is what we are taught in regard to the Second Coming. We do not know when or where He will return, so we like the wise virgins must be prepared at all times.

·         The foolish virgins took their lamps, but had no oil with them. According to President Lee those that are wise are believers that use the Holy Ghost as a guide. Those that are foolish are disobedient. I think we have so many distractions in this life; it is easy to be less mindful of our duties as members of the church. We allow the distractions to occupy too much time, which leaves little time to be truly diligent and obedient. As a member I want to be prepared to meet the Savior at his Second Coming, but that may not happen as I may die prior to that event. I need to be prepared to meet God today and every day. We will all face judgment whether we are alive at His Second Coming or not. Those who do not prepare will be turned away just as the foolish virgins were.

·         The lesson learned from the wise virgins is to be prepared. To be prepared takes obedience to commandments, faith and prayer, learning to do the will of the Father over our own will. We must be diligent in our preparation. We cannot afford to take a break from our devotion. I know someone that takes Sunday ditch days. She calls them semi-annual ditch days, but I have noticed every time her family misses church it is one of their semi-annual ditch days. My definition of semi-annual is a lot different than hers. Through conversation she has also mentioned going to pizza with her non-member step daughter on Sunday or grabbing a few things at the grocery store. One of these drops of oil may not affect the overall preparedness of a member, but when the drops begin to accumulate there may not be enough oil on the appointed day.

·         Oil is added to our lamps with every righteous and obedient act we perform. It is best if we live our lives making righteous choices without having to think about it. We have oil in our lamps when we no longer have a disposition to do evil. It is important to live this way so we are worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost at all times, in that way we will not be deceived.

Parable of the Talents

·         In verses 21 and 23 it says the servants would be rulers over many things. According to the commentary I read that equates to exaltation. Both were rewarded the same for applying themselves with that which they were given. The third servant had that which he was given taken away and given to him that received five talents. Again according to the commentary I read this servant is sent to outer darkness to pay for his sins as he was unwilling to repent and take advantage of the Atonement. In all three circumstances the most important element of the story is to not be slothful with the blessings we are given. Regardless of the what we are given, if we squander our portion it will be taken away.

·         The third man hid his talent because he was afraid.

·         2 Timothy 1:7 teaches:  Fear does not come from God. He gives us power, love, and a sound mind.

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches:  We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts not depend on our limited knowledge. We must acknowledge His hand in our lives and He will lead us.

D&C 3:7-8 teaches:  We must trust in God over trusting other human beings. If faithful we are promised protection from Satan. He promises to be with us always.

D&C 6:33-37 teaches:  We will reap what we sow. The good we do will bring a harvest of goodness. If we build our faith on Jesus Christ He will not let Satan win over us. Look to the Lord in all we do, do not doubt Him or his ability to save. We are to fear not. He promises if we are faithful and keep the commandments we will inherit the kingdom of God due to His Atonement.

·         Two gifts I believe I have received are learning and teaching. I love to learn. I learned how to read between kindergarten and first grade by pestering my sisters and brother. I would sit down with an easy book. I learned one word at a time. When I couldn’t remember a word I would ask again. By the time I started first grade I could read all the words the teacher was teaching the other kids. I have always loved to read, which to me a way to continue learning outside formal education. I also enjoy teaching. I like to share what I know with others. I enjoy learning as I prepare to teach and I love the good feeling I have after a lesson is over and it went well. I would like to finish my education and then work where I can teach.

The Parable of the Sheep and Goats

·         The difference in the way we treat others will be the difference in the way we are rewarded in the next life. Those that are charitable will be rewarded with eternal life, whereas those that are uncharitable are sent to everlasting punishment.

·         The six characteristics listed in Matt 25 are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, stranger, and in prison. With technology today there are people suffering with all of these issues at my fingertips. Here in my city there is a food bank that accepts goods and volunteer work. The schools in my city accept volunteer work and donations which can be used as a tax write off. My husband visited a less active in our ward last night. He was told by the man of the house that they sometimes borrower money to get to work, thus they don’t have money to drive to church. This is an example of poverty of goods and spirituality. Our ward sets up an angel tree every December giving us the opportunity to help children enjoy Christmas morning. At tithing settlement our Bishop shared a bar graph showing the fast offering and missionary monetary needs in our ward. We are doing better on our fast offering contributions than our missionary fund contributions. Humanitarian and spiritual rescue are abundant in my city and around the world. 

Preparing for the Second Coming

The assignment I chose to complete included reading and explaining the list ofscripture references that teach about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. My references included the LDS version of the New Testament, the Bible Dictionary, and The New Testament Made Easier. I posted my work on my blog at vonronicasviews@blogger.com.  I chose this assignment to learn and review the Second Coming. It was helpful to review this information. I can remember as a teenager telling my sister that I was afraid of the Second Coming. She told me if I was prepared I wouldn't be afraid. Now as an adult I am not afraid in the same way. Although I feel more prepared I am grateful each day I wake up and have another day to prepare to meet God. The best part of this assignment is the reminder I received to be diligent by watching and praying, to continue to study the scriptures, and to always be a wise virgin. I do not know if there is significance to the reference to the trump being sounded. I researched trump and sound of a trump in the Bible dictionary to see exactly what that meant. I did not go any further. This and any assignment could be improved by more research by me. 

Preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Mark 13:5  Don’t be deceived by any man.

Mark 13:9  Believers will be a target for arrest and for beatings. The behavior of the tormentor’s will be held against them at their judgment.

Mark 13:23  Read the scriptures to know warnings foretold of the Second Coming.

Mark 13:33  No man knows the day of the Second Coming. Watch and pray in preparation.

Mark 13.:37  The warning is for every man on earth.

D&C 87:8  Jesus is the Light of the world. He is truth.

Joseph Smith-Matt 1:32  The abomination of desolation is mentioned in this scripture. According to the Bible dictionary this phrase spoken by Daniel means Jerusalem will be under siege in the last days.

Joseph Smith 1:37 This scripture teaches us if we treasure up, which would mean to study, ponder, and pray regarding the scriptures, we will not be deceived in the last days. It also tells that Jesus will send his angels to sound a trump and gather the remainder of the elect from the four corners of the world.

Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:46-50 This scripture repeats that no one knows when the Second Coming will take place. Then the scripture explains the importance of always being prepared. The example of a man of the house is told. If the man knew a thief was coming to break in he would have been prepared. Instead it is better to always watch for the second coming and always be prepared.  Key word always, do not procrastinate the day of repentance.

D&C 33:17  This scripture teaches all to pray always, to be prepared as were the five wise virgins, so when the Savior returns we are ready at that moment.

D&C 45:45-57 This scripture tells that the Second Coming will be in fulfillment of the parable of the ten virgins. The parable is the example of 10 virgins, five of which were wise and five were foolish. The five wise virgins received the gospel and practiced its principles. These virgins were able to go into the wedding feast. The five foolish virgins did not have the required oil in their lamps. One interpretation of the oil in their lamps is participation in the gospel. The five wise virgins attended their meetings, held callings, paid their tithing; all these are actions of which the wise virgins were unable to share with the foolish virgins. The time for action and preparation was past. The scripture says the wise virgins have received the truth or accepted the gospel and have not been deceived. The foolish virgins left to obtain the necessary oil, but upon their return the gates to the wedding party were closed and they were not able to enter. 

Faith To Move Mountains

Matt 21:21 In this scripture Jesus said, “if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.  Reading this scripture always left me questioning my faith. Reading this scripture led me to a faith self assessment. I was not ever tempted to try my hand at moving a mountain; I knew in my heart I didn't have enough faith. Then I learned something that changed my perspective on this scripture. I cannot reference this idea, I apologize. I did not come up with this explanation, but I don’t where I read or heard it.  (If anyone has a source, please update me.) I learned that the mountain we are told we can move is not made of dirt and rock, but instead the mountain is our sin. With that in mind, if we have the faith of a mustard seed in the atonement of Jesus Christ we will be able to repent and overcome our personal mountains, a.k.a. sin. Our mountain may be made up of a lot of small sins or it may be big indiscretions. Either way it will take faith and repentance to move it. After learning this I was able to quit beating myself up for not having the faith to move the Wasatch Front and focus on my faith and repentance. 

Faith to Move Mountains

Matt 21:21 In this scripture Jesus said, “if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.  Reading this scripture always left me questioning my faith. Reading this scripture led me to a faith self assessment. I was not ever tempted to try my hand at moving a mountain; I knew in my heart I didn't have enough faith. Then I learned something that changed my perspective on this scripture. I cannot reference this idea, I apologize. I did not come up with this explanation, but I don’t where I read or heard it.  (If anyone has a source, please update me.) I learned that the mountain we are told we can move is not made of dirt and rock, but instead the mountain is our sin. With that in mind, if we have the faith of a mustard seed in the atonement of Jesus Christ we will be able to repent and overcome our personal mountains, a.k.a. sin. Our mountain may be made up of a lot of small sins or it may be big indiscretions. Either way it will take faith and repentance to move it. After learning this I was able to quit beating myself up for not having the faith to move the Wasatch Front and focus on my faith and repentance. 

Lesson 5 Unit 1 Events Leading Up to the Crucifixion

This assignment was to record the important events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. My source was "The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles".

Day One     Jesus arrives in Jerusalem.

He rides through the city gate on a donkey.

Large multitude that believed him paved his way with palm branches and greeted him with the Hosanna shout.

He went to the temple, took note of activity and retired to Bethany.

Day Two     Jesus arrived at the temple to challenge Jewish leadership by clearing the grounds of money ex-changers.  He told them his house was a house of prayer.

Jesus retired to Bethany for the night.

Day Three      Upon arrival at the temple Jesus is confronted by priests questioning his actions and authority of the previous day.

Jesus responds with parables which offend the Jewish religious leaders.

Scribes and Pharisees challenge him. Jesus openly denounces them as hypocrites.

From this point forward Jesus teaches only the Twelve.

The Jewish leaders continued to conspire to put Jesus to death.  They realized it would be tricky, they did not want a riot during the Passover. The problem was solved when Judas, one of the Twelve offered to betray him.

Day Four     Jesus knows o f the plot to kill him.

Gospel writers do not mention the activity of Jesus on this day. He was probably outside the city.

Day Five      Jesus and the Twelve are together for the Passover meal in a home. Jesus introduces a new ordinance, the sacrament. He foretells of his death and indicates the one who will betray him.  

Jesus offers the intercessory prayer. Then he leads them to the Garden of Gethsemane, which is outside the city walls. He takes Peter, James, and John further into the Garden, then leaves them to go further by himself to pray. He prayed to his Father that the cup might be passed from him, but would drink the bitter cup if need be. Jesus suffered the pain of all men, the agony so intense he bled from every pore.

Sometime later he rejoined the apostles.

An armed band led by Judas came to arrest Jesus.

He did not resist arrest. In the dark of night he was taken to an illegal trial.

 Day Six     The Jewish leaders wanted to put Jesus to death, at the same time discredit him in front of his believers. To accomplish this they charged him with two crimes. First was blasphemy, which was a capital offense. He was convicted of this for stating he was the Son of God. This conviction would discredit him, but did not carry the death sentence, only the Roman governor to levy that punishment. To accomplish this he was charged with sedition against the state for claiming to be “king of the Jews”. Pilate found Jesus guiltless, but the Jewish leaders led the crowds to desire his destruction. Pilate feared a riot and gave in to the pressure and pronounced the death sentence, “Crucify him”. Jesus was brutally executed by crucifixion.  In the afternoon he voluntarily gave up his life. Passover began as sundown and the Jewish leaders did not want a body on the cross on the Sabbath. Jesus was taken from the cross and sealed in the tomb by two disciples.

Day Seven     It is the Jewish Sabbath. Jesus body is in the tomb. His spirit is visiting the spirit world.

Day of Resurrection     Jesus is resurrected from the dead and is seen by many witnesses. The testimony of the witnesses is that he lives. This is the good news of the gospel.

Lesson 4 Unit 2 Lesson to Learn from Parables

This assignment was to read the parables and write what I felt the Lord wanted me to learn. I used the LDS scriptures, "The Book of Mormon Made Easier", the Bible dictionary, and The Life and Teachings of Jesus & his Apostles" as my references. 

The Parable of the Unjust Servant

After reading this parable several times I am still uncertain. One suggestion of the meaning is to be honest in our financial dealings. In verse ten it suggests if we are faithful in smaller details we will be faithful also in greater details. The opposite is also true when we are unjust in small details we are unjust in the greater details. In other words if we lie a little here and there, we most likely are lying in larger matters too.  It is also interesting to see the unjust steward scramble to procure friendship in case he gets released from his position as a steward. He is commended by the rich man for his actions, but it seems like the message is misleading and looks more like death bed repentance. A commentary I read explains that business minded people are more worried about their future here on earth, whereas church members are worried about their eternal reward instead.  This commentary, “The Book of Mormon Made Easier”, also suggests this parable tells us to be honest with our money. The author explains that the mammon of unrighteousness is descriptive of money used dishonestly by people. If we are wise and honest with money here on earth, it will allow us to enter into heaven, instead of the opposite if we are dishonest.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

The message of this parable is to warn us that now is the time for us to prepare to meet God. We must be charitable to others. We must listen to the prophets and follow their counsel. Messengers will not be sent to scare us into repentance. This parable also teaches that prior to the death of Jesus Christ those who passed away were either sent to paradise or hell. There was no opportunity for those in hell to receive the gospel. Lazarus was received in paradise, whereas the rich man was not. With the visit of Jesus to spirit prison, the prison doors were opened so that the preaching of the gospel could take place beyond the veil. Those being taught are those that would have embraced the gospel on earth but did not have the opportunity. Now they can repent, accept ordinances performed vicariously, and enjoy eternal life.

Ten Lepers Healed, One Gives Thanks

This parable underlines the importance of giving thanks. Jesus healed 10 lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. In primary last Sunday, Sharing Time was on gratitude. The children could easily tell what we should be grateful for, but were a little stumped when asked how we show our gratitude. After seeing the kids in my primary and reading this I believe when teaching gratitude the ‘how to be grateful’ part is a learned skill and needs more emphasis.  Then after reading the Bible definition of leprosy, I had the thought that our sins could be likened to leprosy just like walls are called leprous. I picture myself mottled like mildew, an outward sign of my sins. Thus, l have leprosy (have sinned). I need to be healed. I can be healed by the Savior through repentance. I owe him my gratitude for healing me.

The Parable of the Unjust Judge

This parable reminds us to keep praying, even when we don’t receive the answer immediately. There are probably numerous reasons all prayers aren’t answered immediately. The question posed in verse 8 is interesting. It says, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith? This makes me wonder if through waiting for answers to unanswered prayers our true colors are revealed. We either continue faithful in prayer or give up our faith in frustration.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

This parable is an example of pride goeth before the fall. The example and caution is to be humble. Those who are boastful will encounter experiences which will teach them humility.