The Power of The Holy Ghost: Week 11

1.        As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:

·         John 14:15–17

·         John 14:26–27

·         John 15:26–27

·         John 16:7–8

·         John 16:13–14

What the Savior Taught:	What the Holy Ghost Does:	What the Disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
About the Holy Ghost.	Abides with those that will do what the Savior asks.	Keep the commandments.
Peace and Love	Comfort those who have a faithful heart.	Let their hearts not be troubled, or afraid.
What He will do when the comforter comes.	Bear witness of the Father.	Listen and obey.
That he has to leave in order for the Holy Ghost to come.	Comforts when the Savior is gone.	Trust the Lord and his teachings.
What the Holy Ghost will do when the Savior leaves.	He will testify of the Father.	We must testify of what we feel.

2.       Add to your list above as you study the following resources:

·         Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (pg. 168)

·         Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (pg. 168)

·         Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (pg. 704)

What the Savior Taught:	What the Holy Ghost Does:	What the Disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
About the Holy Ghost.  And our purpose as we follow His teachings.	Abides with those that will do what the Savior asks.	Keep the commandments. And listen to the Spirit, “Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith”.
Peace and Love	Comfort those who have a faithful heart. The Holy Ghost will be a confident when the Savior is out of this world physically.	Let their hearts not be troubled, or afraid.
What He will do when the comforter comes.	Bear witness of the Father.	Listen and obey.
That he has to leave in order for the Holy Ghost to come.	Comforts when the Savior is gone.	Trust the Lord and his teachings.
What the Holy Ghost will do when the Savior leaves.	He will testify of the Father.	We must testify of what we feel.

3.       Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:

·         Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection.

The Holy Ghost comforts them when they need assistance. I think what is most admirable quality of the Holy Ghost is his dependency when we need him most. No matter our circumstances He will always abide with us if we are doing what we are asked to do, and that is certainly something we see as the Apostles fulfill their missions. Although the Savior is gone, the Holy Ghost takes replacement in the comfort of their hearts.

·         Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

The Holy Ghost has been with me in a number of these ways. As I stated above, the Holy Ghost is consistent in how he approaches and comforts people. One time in high school I went through a rough time of doubt and mistrust in others, this led me to doubt the church. Although I was not reading my scriptures the Holy Ghost still had an influence in my testimony becoming stronger and keeping my faith. I have a testimony of the Holy Ghost and it’s powerful influence over the Church of Jesus Christ. 

Becoming a Disciple of Christ: Week 10

Choice 5: John 13:34–35. A New Commandment

According to John 13:34–35, how can others know if we are disciples of Jesus Christ?

·         If we show love to one another, including those that may be more difficult to show love to.

List some specific ways a disciple of Jesus Christ might respond in the following situations (in accordance with John 13:34–35):

-Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way he or she dresses.

•     A disciple of Jesus Christ would befriend the person, regardless of what others said or thought. The disciple also would not or try to change the person, they would simple accept them for who they are.

- You see a new person at church.

•        Become their friend. It does not have to be best friends where you are nagging and trying so hard to be their best friend, but let them know you care. Always offer to help them find rides to activities, if they seem shy invite them to do something on the weekends. It’s really the small things that make the biggest difference.

Ponder the question, “Do people know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by the way I treat them?” Select a family member, coworker, or neighbor and make a short list of things you can do during the coming week to show him or her kind of love the Savior would show. Then follow through with what you wrote down.

·         I am choosing to show my sister who also happens to be my roommate!

o   Make her bed in the morning

o   Invite her to do roommate prayer at nights

o   Make her a lunch for the next day.

o   Send her encouraging texts when she has big labs.

o   Offer to pick her up from school.

o   Surprise her and do her laundry.

o   Be positive…ALWAYS! :]

o   Tell her I love her, and appreciate her!

Cause and Effect: Week 9

	Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (JS-M 1:5-20)	The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (JS-M 1:21-55)
Events to occur:	Verse 6- Imposters of Christ will come.	Verse 37- The Son of Man shall come, and will save all.
Promises to the Righteous:	No flesh shall be saved except for the elect, chosen by the Lord. Verse 20.	The Elect will know when it is the true Christ, not the imposters. Verse 39.

Be not afraid, if ye are prepared. We cannot know when He will come again, but if we are prepared and worthy we have nothing to be worried about. 

Last week of the life of the Savior: Week 8

Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7 (Sabbath)	Day of the Resurrection
The Savior bought a colt, and donkey, and the people greeted him with a Hosanna shout.	Jesus threw out those doing unworthy things in the temple.	Jesus’s authority was challenged by those he rebuked from the temple. He decided to only teach his apostles from that time forward.	Little is known of what the Savior did this day. It is thought he spent much of the day out in the city.	Jesus performed the first Sacrament to his apostles, and let them know of his death which was coming.	Jesus was charged with 2 crimes, and his punishment was approved by Pilate, he was to be crucified	Jesus’s body remained in a tomb, it was the Sabbath day.	Jesus was resurrected and ministered unto chosen ones.
He went to the temple directly after.	Retired in Bethany.	One of Jesus’s disciples betrayed him. They planned to find a way to bring him down.		The Atonement took place at the Garden of Gethsemane.	He was crucified and willingly gave up his spirit.	His spirit ministered to the departed spirits.
He retired in Bethany.				Jesus was taken into captivity by those who betrayed him.

Principles from Parables: Week 7

Study the following parables and accounts along with accompanying commentary from the institute student manual. Describe in writing what you feel is the major principle the Lord wants us to understand.

1. Luke 16:1-12, the parable of unjust steward. “The Children of This World Are in Their Generation Wiser Than the Children of The Light." (Pg. 124)

            The lesson or principle to take from this parable is, if I am spending my time, money, energy and all worldly things in this life the way the Lord would be proud, then I will be blessed with spiritual things that will bless me for the eternities.

2. Luke 16:19-31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. “What do we learn about the Spirit World from the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus?” (124-125)

            The lesson or principle to take from this parable could be, if I take what I learn and use it for good, spiritual knowledge and allowing for my spiritual progression, and then I will have the opportunity to teach others on the other side.

3. Luke 17:11-19, the ten lepers. “Why were the ten lepers to show themselves to the priests?” and “were there not ten cleansed?” (130) See also Bible Dictionary, “Leprosy” (724).

            Faith is something I have really been focusing on this semester. I notice it a lot more when I read and try to find applicable things to apply the faith prinicples I learn. One from this parable is this, if I have faith in what the Lord says to me, then He will have the power to heal and save me.

4. Luke 18:1-8, the parable of the unjust judge. “Why did the Lord give the parable of the judge?” (pg. 131).

            A principle I took from this parable is, if I am honest in all that I do, and treat my Heavenly Father like a true Father figure in my life, then He will hear and answer all of my prayers.

5. Luke 18:9-14, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. “Why did the Lord give the parable of the Pharisee and the publican?” (pg. 131).

            An interesting principle I thought of while reading these verses, and instruction was that judgment is wrong in every stage of life. It is not our place to judge anyone in any circumstance, mostly because it is not our place to do so, but also because that is the Lord’s job, and he is the only one who should have that power. 

Witnessing of Christ: Week 6

Review Luke 10:1-24. Based on these verses give a summary of the Lord’s counsel and instructions He gave the Seventy:

The biggest counsel that the Lord gave to the Seventy is that as they are a representation of the Lord Jesus Christ. They have a responsibility as they go throughout the lands teaching and healing the people to make sure they understand who their following, and show such an example that the people will be able to see that light of Christ emulate from them.

Article of Faith 6 reads, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church.” Using the principles taught from Luke 10:1-2, 8-9, 17-20 write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith:

                The Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. As I was reading through these verses several times the thought kept coming in my mind, we are here today doing the same work as those of the Savior’s time on earth. Our responsibility is just as great, we may not have the calling that they did. But we still are held responsible to preach the truth to everyone and represent the church in a manner that would make the Lord proud.

Go to the Church’s Scripture Website and read the topic of the Seventy in the Guide of the Scriptures. Describe in one or two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood.

                When the Lord sends his Seventy to go out among the people to all and heal them, preach to them, be a witness of Christ. That is the exact definition of what a Seventy is, to be a witness unto Christ throughout entire world.

Becoming like a little Child: Week 5

Choice 3:

Review Matthew 18-3-4 and Doctrine and Covenents 78: 17-18. Explain in writing the ways we are like little children. In these verses how does the Lord say He will help us?

We are very much like little children compared to our Savior and Heavenly Father. They are almighty, they have all knowledge. While we try to discover ourselves here on this earth they already know what and who we will become. This is comparable to a mortal parent to their child. When a little kid wants candy for example, the parent knows when to much be too much. They have a larger scheme of when it is ok to have candy and how much compared to a little child who only understands the desire of candy. The Savior and our Heavenly Father know what is best for us, they know and understand what trials will strengthen us, and essentially develop us to become who we are destined to become. We just need faith in their plan and trust in their care and we will grow up to become God’s and Goddesses like them one day.

The Lord offers help in a variety of ways, they include: leading us along because of our lack of understanding of all things, giving us opportunities to grow and develop in a God like Him, and He will give us humbling experiences that will result in a charitable heart like our Brother and Savior Jesus Christ.

Read Mosiah 3:19 and list ways in which we are to become like little children.

-I will put off the Natural Man to become like my Savior.

-I am to become submissive

-I am to become meek

-I am to become humble

-I am to become patient

-I am to become full of Love

-I am willing to submit to all things which the Lord sees fit to inflict upon us, as a child submits to his father

Our Greatest Example: Week 4

Read Matthew 11:1-19 and Luke 7:18-35. What did the two disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus Christ?

·         They asked the Savior if he was the one that John told them to go find, or if they should keep looking.

The Savior told them to go back to John and tell what they saw and heard. After reading these accounts, explain three things you would have told John if you had been with those men.

·         I would have told John the Baptist the miracles the Savior performed, the charity Jesus had towards everyone, and his humble nature that reflects a true disciple of Heavenly Father.

Read the Institute Manual commentary for Matthew 11:2-3, “Did John doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?” Explain why John wanted his disciples to go to Christ.

·         John sent his disciples to Jesus because he was struggling in persuading his disciples that he was not in fact the Messiah and should not be worshiped as so. The manual states that his disciple struggled with “detaching” from him to follow their true master.

Read the Institute Manual for Matthew 11:11, “No greater prophet than John the Baptist” What did The Savior say about John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11?

·         The Savior said, “There hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding that he is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” In essence the Savior is say that John the Baptist is the next best thing to Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father and The Holy Ghost. His responsibilities were so great that without him, the plan would not have worked.

Provide three reasons given by Joseph Smith why John the Baptist is considered among the greatest prophets.

      The three reasons are: He was entrusted with a divine mission to prepare the way before the face of the lord. He was entrusted with an important mission of baptizing the Savior. And lastly he was the only legal administrator in the affairs of the Kingdom of God on the earth at that time.

What does John 3:30 suggest about John the Baptist and his attitude toward the Savior?

·         John’s attitude toward the Savior was respectful. He knew his role, and he did not ever try to overstep his boundaries. He understood that the Savior was to lead the people and instill a special Spirit around them and John was to help and aid with his own testimony of the Savior.

Briefly describe how we could apply a similar attitude in our own lives

·         It is hard to remember not to dictate our own lives, and to remember the Savior is on our side. Jesus led the way for us to follow him. We can show respect by following and sincerely trying to be like him. 

Faith in All Things: Week 3

Matthew 8:1-4:

Miracles of the Lord: Man healed of Leprosy

Who Demonstrated Faith: The man being healed

Matthew 8:5-13

Miracles of the Lord: A servant of a centurion was healed of palsy

Who Demonstrated Faith: The centurion

Matthew 8:14-15

Miracles of the Lord: Peter's mother-in-law healed of a fever

Who Demonstrated Faith: Peter and the mother-in-law

Matthew 8:16

Miracles of the Lord: Healed all the sick that were with the Devil

Who Demonstrated Faith: All those who were healed, that were sick

Matthew 8:23-27

Miracles of the Lord: The waves were calmed

Who Demonstrated Faith: The Savior rebuked them for not having faith, the Savior had faith for everyone.

Matthew 8:28-34

Miracles of the Lord: The devils were cast into the herd of swine.

Who Demonstrated Faith: The members of the boat

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

Miracles of the Lord: Healed a woman of a blood disease

Who Demonstrated Faith: The woman knew that if she could just touch his garment she would be healed.

Matthew 9:27-31

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus healed two blind men.

Who Demonstrated Faith: The blind men knew Jesus could heal them.

Mark 2:1-12

Miracles of the Lord: Jesus was baptized by the Holy Spirit

Who Demonstrated Faith: John doubted his ability to baptize one mightier than him, but they told him to have faith and he did and it was successful.

The Lord is truly amazing! Reading through all of these miracles, you realize how powerful he really is. The Lord knows our weaknesses and with faith he will heal all.

Jesus was Baptized: Week 2

Review Matthew 3:13-17 and the institute manual commentary for Matthew 3:16, "What is the significance of the Holy Ghost descending 'like a dove'?"

According to the New Testament manual the Holy Ghost is believed to have descended as a dove because the symbol of the dove is one that Satan cannot replicate. The Holy Ghost is not truly a dove; it is a personage and the dove was created to interpret the Holy Ghost so that Satan could not replicate it. 

Answer the following questions: 

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus? 

Because he was unsure if he had the proper authority. John questions why if he needs to be baptized by Jesus how he can baptize Jesus himself. 

What is taught here about the Holy Ghost? 

The Holy Ghost is able to administer and aide in all righteous endeavors. 

Jesus Christ said he must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness." List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized. (2nd Nephi 31: 6-11). 

1. To be obedient to the commandments of the Father.

2. To set an example for all of us to follow.

3. To humble himself in front of His Father. 

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

The spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, is described as a dove. 

Jesus was physically in the water and baptized

And a voice calling Jesus His Son came from the heavens. 

Christ's Life: Week 1

Search John 1:1-14; 17:1-5 and ponder the doctrinal connection between the two references. List at least five truths you learn about the pre-mortal Jesus Christ and five truths you learn about His mortal life. 

Pre-mortal Life: 

1.       His light shines even in darkness, and the darkness "comprehended it not." 

2.      All men through him can believe because of his light. 

3.      God was always with Him. 

4.     His purpose was to share the light of the Father, and to glorify Him. 

5.      He created the world; but the world did not know him. 

Mortal Life: 

1.       Power over all flesh

2.      He was not physically the light but was sent to share the light. 

3.      His own did not receive him.

4.     Whoever did believe in him received the power through Christ to become the sons of God. 

5.      Christ reborn them not in flesh or in the will of man but of God. 

Learn more and define the names of the Savior through the Bible Dictionary, and the Institute Manual

• Christ: The anointed or Messiah. Also representing Christ as the first born of the Father in the spirit and the only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. 
• Messiah: An Aramaic word that means the anointed or chosen one.  
• Jehovah: The covenant or proper name of the God of Israel
• Emmanuel: God with us also. 
• The Word: Referring to The Word of God which was something Jesus Christ represented.