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