Parables

According to the Bible Dictionary, the Parable conveys to the hearer religious truth exactly in proportion to his faith and intelligence. 

To me, this is another example of how much Christ loves us. He wants us to seek Him for further understanding. By teaching us through parables we can increase our learning if we seek Him. Jesus Christ loves us and as we seek Him we learn of Him and His teachings. We build our relationship with Christ. This week we learned about parables and I have posted the assignment with my thoughts and invite you to study for yourself that you may be taught by the spirit.

Choice 2: Matthew 13: 24-48. The Lord Often Taught with Parables

1.     In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pgs. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

A parable is a spiritual analogy to covey truth. To comprehend the true meaning, it requires the hearer to seek understanding by faith.

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries? parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50)

o       How do you explain the remarkable growth of the Church, considering that it is fairly new compared to most world religions and started small in the American frontier? parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:31-33)

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church? parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46)

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

 I am willing to make any sacrifice necessary to obtain the treasure of the gospel. This sounds easy but I need the guidance of the spirit to help me improve my choices so that I am consistently choosing the best choice. At the time I felt like I sacrificed a fun life. Now I see that what I thought was a sacrifice was a choice necessary for me to receive the blessings and companionship of the Holy Ghost in my life. I am willing to offer my time, testimony and all I am and have to assist the Lord in His work.

·      What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

To me the net represents the Missionaries (servants) carrying the word of God to the people. To be gathered into the net is teaching all people the gospel of Jesus Christ. The action of gathering the good vessels might be; those who accept Christ as their Savior and want to follow Him the covenant people. The casting the bad away might be those who are unwilling to follow Christ and accept Him as the Savior, unrepentant.

If you would like to strengthen your faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, you may want to view these bible videos https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/?lang=eng

Miracles

Have you ever wondered if miracles really do occur? Do you believe in miracles?
I the opportunity this week to study a few of the miracles that Jesus Christ performed in the New Testament. As I studied, I noticed the attitude of those that were healed, how they demonstrated faith by asking and believed they could be healed. Below are a few insights of these miracles and my own thoughts on how these miracles increase my faith in knowing God has the power to heal us. I invite you to read the references and consider the miracle and faith of those who were a part of these miracles.

Matthew 8-9; Mark 2 Miracles Are Evidence of Faith and God’s Power

Reference: Matthew 8: 1- 4

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed the Leper

Who Demonstrated Faith: The Leper demonstrated his faith he said, “if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” Matthew 8:2

The Leper knew Christ could heal and showed faith by sharing this testimony with Jesus and showed faith by inviting Christ to heal him.

Reference: Matthew 8: 5-13

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed the centurion’s servant

Who Demonstrated Faith: The centurion had much faith when he petitioned the Lord to heal his servant. The Savior marvelled at the centurion’s faith because when he asked his servant to be healed he knew that Jesus had to just “speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” Matthew 8:8 rather than Jesus being there in person to heal.

Reference: Matthew 8:14-15

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law

Who Demonstrated Faith: Peter’s mother-in-law showed faith by allowing herself to be healed when Jesus touched her hand.

Reference: Matthew 8: 16

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed all those that were brought to him.

Who Demonstrated Faith: Those that brought their sick and afflicted to the Savior, Jesus Christ to be healed showed faith that he could and would heal them. The sick that came showed faith by coming unto Christ.

 Reference: Matthew 8: 23-27

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus calms the wind, sea and all in the boat.

Who Demonstrated Faith: Those that were in the boat showed faith by waking up the Lord to save them. The Savior says, “O ye of little faith?” but He doesn’t say they had no faith. They knew He had the power to deliver them from the situation.

Reference: Matthew 8: 28-34

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus cast the evil spirits into the swine

Who Demonstrated Faith: The devils knew that Christ was the Son of God as they declare this in verse 29, they were prepared to be cast out and knew the Savior could cast them into the swine. Jesus granted them this wish. The devils showed faith in Christ’s power.

Reference: Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus heals the woman with an issue of blood.

Who Demonstrated Faith: The woman having an issue of blood for 12 years demonstrated faith by reaching out for the Savior’s garment. She had been to physicians and tried many things to heal her issue and nothing worked. Her faith is remarkable to me since the issue had plagued her for so long she still had faith to reach out to be healed my the Master.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-031-jesus-heals-a-woman-of-faith?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&lang=eng 

Reference: Matthew 9:27-31

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed the two blind men

Who Demonstrated Faith: The two blind men had faith to ask the Savior to be healed and believed that He had the power to heal.

 Reference: Mark 2: 1-12

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed the man with palsy

Who Demonstrated Faith: The four friends that brought their friend who was stricken with the palsy to the Lord to be healed demonstrated exceeding faith. They did all they could to bring their sick friend to be made whole again. The man who had palsy also needed to have faith in the Savior to be spiritual and physically healed. His sins were forgiven and he walked being completed healed from the palsy.

In each of these miracles, the people showed their faith by asking or allowing to be healed. They believed that Jesus Christ had the power to heal them and those they brought to the Lord.

I know personally that Jesus Christ has the power to heal us both spiritually, from the dark consequences of sin by forgiving us and by healing our infirmities. I have confidence that what ever I am asked to bear, the Lord has the power to strengthen me to endure or heal me. My daughter’s hand was severely burned just before she was 1 year old. She touched a hot steam humidifier and the skin on her little hand started to peel. I was horrified. Although I needed to take her to the hospital my mind was also focused on getting her a blessing. The next day, my home teacher, gave her a blessing and her hand was healed.

Doctors said she would need plastic surgery and physio to gain full use of her hand. Her hand healed almost completely with a very small scar on the bottom of her finger. Just enough for us all to remember the Lord is so willing to heal us and we must have faith in Him for miracles to happen according to His will. I know Jesus Christ atoned for our sins and has the power to deliver us from our sins if we reach out in faith He will heal us from the darkness we feel.

To learn about priesthood blessings:

https://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood-blessing?lang=eng

To learn about faith:

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/faith?lang=eng#

To watch a message on Priesthood Power:

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1370500727001

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Being baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a highlight of my life. I remember how I felt when I was immersed and brought out of the water. I felt clean and an indescribable joy! I knew I made a step to follow Jesus and become like Him.

This week I have been studying the baptism of Jesus Christ and would like to share some of the findings with you.

Matthew 3:13-17.  The Baptism of Jesus Christ 

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?

John recognized his own need to be baptized and when Jesus presents himself to be baptized John says, “I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” Matthew 3:14

John must have felt unworthy to baptize the Son of God but the Savior says, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15

What is taught here about the Holy Ghost?

After Jesus Christ was baptized, the Holy Ghost came upon Him and a sign was given that this was done. In the New Testament it reads, “ the spirit of God descending like a dove” Matthew 3:16

The sign of the Holy Ghost is a dove. We know that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit, not a dove. The sign of the Holy Ghost is a dove. This commentary from the New Testament Student Manual explains it well.

Luke 3:22. Did the Holy Ghost Appear as a Dove? (see also Matthew 3:16)

The Prophet Joseph Smith explained that the Holy Ghost did not appear as a dove after the baptism of Jesus Christ. Rather, the descending dove signified that the Holy Ghost was present on that occasion: “The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 81).

https://www.lds.org/manual/new-testament-student-manual/introduction-to-the-gospel-according-to-st-luke/chapter-15-luke-1-3.p127?lang=eng

Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” 3 reasons Why

1.    Jesus showed us all that He was humble and He chose to fulfill what the Father asked Him to do. “he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father,” 2 Nephi 31:7 https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31?lang=eng

2.    Jesus Christ also witnessed to Heavenly Father that He would be obedient and keep his commandments. 2 Nephi 31:7

3.    When Jesus Christ was baptized, He was showing us the path to go so that we might be obedient and receive the necessary ordinances to return home to our Heavenly Father. “it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.” 2 Nephi 31:9

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?

Jesus Christ was being baptized and after He was baptized the Holy Ghost was present, the sign being given as the dove. In verse 17, we read “And lo a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Heavenly Father testified that Jesus Christ was His Son and He was pleased with Him when His voice is heard from above.

From this account we know that our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are separate Beings with separate roles.

For more information on this topic see the links below.

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/god-godhead?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-10-1020-doctrine-of-the-godhead?lang=eng

I know that when I chose to be baptized that I was following Jesus Christ. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was 12 on November 24, 1982. I have learned that following Christ is a eternal commitment. We make mistakes and we can be forgiven. Christ has made it possible for each of us to change to become like Him and to live in happiness here on earth and forever. That commitment many years ago has put me on a path of righteousness and I know exactly where it will take me. I invite you to learn more about baptism. To learn more about baptism please see the link here. http://www.mormon.org/faq/topic/baptism

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-024-the-baptism-of-jesus?lang=eng

What I know about the Savior, Jesus Christ

This is the first week of school. I am an online student taking my B.S. in Family & Marriage studies. I am a freshman and excited to share my learnings and thoughts with you.

This week in my New Testament class we were asked to complete a student choice assignment.  The assignment was to study how Elisabeth, the Shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the Wise Men, Herod, the Chief Priests and the Nephites (from the Book of Mormon) learned about the Savior, Jesus Christ, what they knew about the Savior and what they did with their knowledge.

I was impressed with many of them as they shared their witness of Christ and how He was to redeem His people. I also noted that those who had a testimony of the Savior were given a witness through the power of the Holy Ghost. that He was the Promised Messiah. Each of us can receive a witness that Jesus is the Christ and come to know Him.

What I know about the Savior?

I know Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. I know this because I have felt the pains and consequences of sin and in order to free myself from this spiritual pain, I have turned to my Savior for forgiveness and healing. I know that before the world was created our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior and through His atoning sacrifice Christ has made it possible for all to overcome death and sin. I know that Jesus is my friend that He cares for me and knows how to comfort me. (see Alma 7:11-13) https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7?lang=eng

How have I learned these things?

I have read, studied and pondered the scriptures. I have come to know for myself that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I have asked in prayer if this is true and have felt the powerful witness of the Holy Ghost in my life to confirm this truth to me. I learn more about the Lord as I hear prophets testify of Him and as I have applied the Lord's teachings in my life.

What am I doing with what I know?

I strive each day to live as a disciple of Christ. I follow His teachings and testify how His true gospel has brought great joy into my life. I look for opportunities to serve others and share what I know with loved ones and all. I am always looking to strengthen my testimony of my Savior and His gospel and to do His will. I'm not perfect but through Christ I can overcome and He can help me on my path.

If you would like to know more about the Savior, Jesus Christ or His gospel I invite you to click on the links below
http://www.mormon.org/
http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ
https://www.lds.org/?lang=eng

One of my favorite mormon messages of how Christ can help you change
http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1672986629001

Carrying a grand piano

I was carrying alot apparently... Keyboard, bag of stuff, purse and the fluffiest pillow ever. As I was walking from a parking lot to take all of these goodies to Amber, I barely noticed the stranger beside me. We walked into the building at almost the same time, all of a sudden the stranger spoke asking me, " would you like some help?" I quickly said " I'm good thanks" and then she said something to me that caused me to ponder, " cause you're carrying a piano and I'm not carrying anything." I reassured her that the piano although it looked awkward was light enough and thanked her for the offer. Her question made me ponder. It did look like I needed help and I probably should have given her the fluffy pillow it would have lightened my load. How kind it was of her to offer. Like always I could handle carrying the load right? How often do we notice if people around us need help and offer to help them? She noticed me and I thought that was thoughtful for her to offer. As I pondered this recent happening, I felt that we,including me, need to accept the offer for help although small as it may seem its good to encourage an act of kindness. The attitude of "I can do it myself" is great to have but I think we don't ask or accept people's help often enough.
The Savior is there for us. He has suffered our pain and sorrow and yet sometimes we don't go to Him for help. Who better to go to than the One who knows us, know our needs and loves us. I recall the scripture in the Book of Mormon, Alma 7 11-13
11 And he shall go forth,suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God sufferers according to the flesh that he may take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and behold this is the testimony which is in me.
The Spirit whispers to me to remember that I have a Savior, He knows me and wants to help make the burdens I carry lighter. YI'm never alone. Next time if I'm ever "carrying a piano" and someone offers to help....I'm taking them up on their offer. I too will watch out for those who may be " carrying a piano" and offer to help them.