Teaching// Love of God

Teaching— 2 Peter 2

1. What are the characteristics of a false teacher (according to 2 Peter 2:1-19)?
1. Denying the Lord
2. Pernicious ways
3. Speak evil with feigned words
4. Presumptuous
5. Self willed
6. Not afraid to speak evil of dignities
7. Eyes full of adultery
8. Speak great swelling words of vanity
1. How will this list help to identify false teachers today?
1. We can easily identify false teachers by the feeling that we feel as they are teaching and speaking in general. If why hear evil, it will feel unnatural and uneasy.
2. What are the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world” (according to 2 Peter 2:20-22, Doctrine and Covenants 82:3,7)?
1. The Lord will tolerate sin in the slightest. Therefore we cannot find ourselves in the trap of this temptation. We need to follow His will and not let the polluted world pollute our minds and other gifts from our Savior.

"Keep Yourselves in the Love of God”— Jude 1

1. How can you multiply mercy, peace, and love (according to Jude 1:1-3)?
1. give diligence
2. earnestly contend for the faith
1. How can you appropriately contend for faith?
1. Faith can properly be contended as one seeks and becomes unified, heart and mind, with the will of The Lord. Therefore we need to continuously be seeking light and trust as we desire to contend and strengthen our faith.
2. According to Jude 1:4-19:
1. What does the phrase “first estate” mean (according to Jeremiah 1:5, Jude 1:6)?
1. The first estate was heaven for all people. This phrase refers tot where all of us used to live before we were called and chosen to be tested and grow here on earth.
2. How would you explain this odd disputation between Satan and Michael (according to the manual for Jude 1:9, Article of Faith 1:8)?
1. We need to always be sure that we are partaking of this that are right and true as opposed to all of those things that Satan tries to convince people of.
3. Who will accompany that Savior at the second coming (according to Jude 1:14)?
1. Enoch, the seventh from Adam will accompany The Savior at the second coming, according to Jude.
3. How can we avoid the evils that often come from false teachers (according to Jude 1:17, 20-25)?
1. Evil must be avoided. Therefore false teachers and their false teachings must also be avoided. This can be done as one is steadfast and focused on the things of The Lord. One can choose to be focused and remain steadfast as they remember The Lord always— in word, conversation, deed, ect. Jude so wisely said, "But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This means that one must fill their minds and hearts with the words and teachings of Jesus Christ as they are seeking to learn and grow in the right direction.
2. To be more specific, one needs to consistently be good and doing good. This can be obtained as one prays, loves The Lord, has compassion on others, and much more. It is through the small and simple acts that one can become closer to The Savior and His teachings. The teachings will reside more with those who not only ready and learn, but also apply and act according to His plan will.

Atonement// Definitions

The Atonement is Greater Than All of the Sacrifice of the Old Testament— Hebrew 8-10

1. How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ fulfill the Law of Moses (according to Hebrews8:1-3; 9:22-28; 10:1-4, 10-17; Alma 34:10, 13, 14)? The Law of Moses was in place for saints to better follow God. As part of these commandments they were asked to offer sacrifices. After Jesus Christ offered up His life as a final sacrifice, as assigned my God, this makes the end of physical sacrifices with the shedding of blood. "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."  
1. What was the purpose of the Law of Moses? "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” In other words, this was a law given for the saints and followers of Christ to show their dedication and obedience through blood sacrifices.
2. What does the Atonement of Jesus Christ do for us? The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the redeeming power that provides a way for His children to come back and be redeemed through Him and His sacrifice. "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” "And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal."
2. How do the high priests labor in the temple as the Savior if in the Garden of Gethsemane? High Priests in the temple are laboring on the behalf of other, just as Jesus Christ did. They are concerned for the salvation and welfare of all of the children of God, just as Jesus Christ. 
3. Consider the following title: “high priest of good things come” how does it appropriately suit Jesus Christ (according to Hebrews 9:11)? "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” In other words, Christ is the highest priest  because He is draped with the robes of all of the holy priesthoods so he is able to act in any way God would have him act.

A “Peculiar People”— 1 Peter 1-5

1. Describe the following items (according to 1 Peter 2:9-10):
1. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
1. Chosen generation— To be chosen of God means to be foreordained and prepared for a time and place where God has placed you. Therefore each generations has its own purpose as well as a choice people to fulfill that purpose which God has created and prepared for them.
2. Royal priesthood— God’s priesthood is a royal priesthood. To hold and exercise a royal priesthood implies that the giver of this amazing gift, is a King. God is in fact a King over us.
3. Holy Nation— Just as stated above, a Holy Nation is that of a nation ordained and prepared by God. He is holy and has sanctified this nation for the bringing forth of His work.
4. Peculiar people— Even though peculiar normally has a negative connotation, this just simply means that the follows of God are different than the rest. Just as described in the Saturday Afternoon session by L. Whitney Clayton, now cannot understand the dance until they hear the music. Outsiders looking in see Latter-day Saints as strange because they do not understand the mean or significance of the way we act and the things we do— therefor they do not hear the music. 

Solutions Through Scripture// Jesus Christ

Find Solutions in the Scriptures for Life’s Challenges— Philippians 1-4

1. For the following challenges, writ the counsel from Paul:
1. “People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week” (according to Philippians 2:1-8, 14, 15).
1. Love abides in “like mindedness” as said in Philippians 2:2.Therefore,as those quarrel and dwell on petty matters, love does not reside or abound. Instead, agreements must be met for the love to be reestablished and utilized to invite the Holy Spirit of learning.
2. “Many youth feel that their parent’s testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength” (according to Philippians 2:12-15 and institute manual “Work out Your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling”).
1. As stated in Philippians 3:9 we must obtain our own knowledge “through the faith of Christ.” If youth or anyone merely relies on the testimony or knowledge of others, that is the absence of faith. Faith requires action. Youth need to understand that relying on others may seem like the ‘easy way out’ but in actuality, if this is happening that youth is not keeping the commandment of Christ to follow Him in faith. Strength will never come through the actions and merits of others. We are all responsible for ourselves and teaching others how to be responsible for themselves, especially when it comes to spirituality.
3. “An investigator is considering joining the Church but his family will no longer associate with him if he does” (according to Philippians 3:7-16, 4:13).
1. As stated in Philippians 3:10, one can and will be comforted through “the fellowship of [H]is sufferings.” This verse makes reference to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ— though those close to you many disown your righteous actions, The Lord promises that you will find strength and fellowship through Him. He is the one watching over you and protecting you. So long as covenants are made and kept, The Lord will bless and provide a perfect way for you to proceed and endure.
4. How is this writing assignment an example of the principles taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?
1. 2 Nephi 32:3 teaches us to “feast upon the words of Christ.” Therefore this assignment is teaching us to ask questions and find answers in the scriptures. As we find these answers, we will be able to make decisions for ourself understand His will for us via His words in the Holy Bible, The Book of Mormon, and other holy scripture. 

Live as Saints Should Live 

1. What is Christ superior to (according to the “Epistle to the Hebrews” in the Bible Dictionary (first paragraph and “Analysis of Hebrews”))?
1. Christ is greater than angel
2. Christ is greater in name, inheritance, and calling
3. Christ is greater than angel’s words
4. Christ is greater than Moses
5. Christ words are superior
6. Christ is superior with His high priesthood
7. Christ’s new covenant is superior
2. What truths does Paul teaches about the Savior (according to Hebrews 1)?
1. Jesus Christ is superior as the only begotten son (verses 5-6).
2. The Lord laid the foundation of the beginning of the earth (verse 10).
3. Those things founded by Jesus Christ shall not fail, He will be on the righteous’ right hand to uphold them (verses 12-14).
3. Why did the son of God come to Earth to experience mortality (according to Hebrews 2:7-18, 4:13-16, Alma 7:11-15, Doctrine and Covenants 122:8)?
1. According to Hebrews 2:7 and 4:13-16, Jesus Christ needed to preform works by His hands, thus He needed a mortal body.
2. According to to Hebrews 2:14, Jesus Christ need to overcome death to provide a way for all others to do the same in order to live with God again.
3. According to Alma 7:11-15, Jesus Christ needed to preform the atonement in the flesh to allow for resurrection to be available to all.

Baptism// Live as Saints Should Live

Baptism— Romans 6

1. As taught in Romans 6:1-13;
1. What must be done with sin before baptism can occur? As stated in verse 2, sin must be dead. This means that we must put away all sin in order to be worthy of becoming completely clean through baptism.
2. What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism? According to verse 3-4, Christ’s dead is represented by the actual performance of baptism and His resurrection is represented as one is taken back up out of the water after receiving baptism.
3. Considering the symbolism, why is baptism by sprinkling not sufficient? Sprinkling is not sufficient because one is not fully immersed into the water and then brought back out, straightway. This was the order taught, thus sprinkling is not sufficient because it is not doctrinally based or symbolic as the true order of baptism must be.
4. How do we maintain the “newness of life?” The “newness of life” is maintain as one receives baptism. They are parting from their sins and making a covenant with God to forever utilize the power of baptism and the Holy Spirit to again become clean unto Him.
5. What part of us ideally dies as baptism (according to Mosiah 3:19)? Our natural man dies as we receive baptism. We then become His saints, following His will. 
2. According to Romans 6:14-23;
1. How do we know whose servants we are? We made covenants with God, thus we are His servants asking in His name to bring about His work in His order. As stated in verse 16-18 we need to follow the laws of our God, repent to that same God, and be righteous in the ways that that same God outlined. We are His and He is in us.
2. What is the true source of freedom? According to ver 20, we are free become of righteousness. As we follow the simple guidelines and commandments given, our potential and ability multiplies exponentially. It is through Him that this is possible.

Live as Saints Should Live 

1. What is “nearer” according to Romans 13:11? “Nearer” is interpreted to mean our salvation and righteousness are growing. In a literal sense we can say that we are becoming more righteous, thus more in tune with what He what have us become.
1. What must we continue to do to further the work of salvation (as taught in Ezekiel 3:20 and Doctrine and Covenants 14:7)? We must always to remember to follow the commandment of God and endure to the end. As we learn to do these things for ourself, we must teach and lift those around us. We start with ourselves first because we need to be concerned about our salvation and then we move on to others that we love or some to love as we serve them.
2. What counsel is given the leads to salvation?
1. Romans 12:1— Present your body as a living sacrifice by using it for only good.
2. Romans 12:2— Renew your mind oft to prove and perfect it.
3. Romans 12:9— Love without dissimulation.
4. Romans 12:13— Be hospitable.
5. Romans 12:16— Do not put yourself above others, we are on level playing ground.
6. Romans 12:21— Overcome evil with good instead of letting it consume you.
7. Romans 13:1— Realize and utilize the power of God, bring about His work, bless His children.
8. Romans 13:3— Do not be afraid of His power that you posses. Use it for good.
9. Romans 13:8— Love one another without expectation.
10. Romans 13:9— Do not commit adultery, kill, steal, covet, or bear false witness. Love they neighbor.
3. According to Romans 14:1-13 and 15:1-3;
1. What cautions did Paul give on judging? Paul cautions not to judge because him who does judge, is not received of God or worthy of His Holy Spirit.
2. When people have different opinions and practices, what is most important to remember? As Christ did, we was an example of love and acceptance. We need to follow in Him footsteps but accepting others no matter their opinions or practices. Of course, we can personally hold ourselves to a higher standard but that doesn’t mean that we cannot be friends with or associate ourselves with anyone that may appear to have “lower” standards in our eyes. It is not left to us to judge.
3. What additional insights come from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? We are taught to be one. This many not mean be one in standards or opinions but instead stand as one by lifting and supporting one another.
4. What term did Paul frequently use in Romans 15:25-26, 31, 16:2, 15 when referring to Latter-day Saints today? These verses all talk about receiving and contributing to the saints. To us this could translate into being accepting and willing to learn about and to associate with all of the people around us. They are all saints to a degree and children of God just as we are.

Examples// Forgiveness

Impact of an Example

1. What is required of the servants of The Lord according to 1Cor 4:2?
1. As servants of The Lord we are required to be faithful. The Lord will trust us with different callings and stewardships throughout our lives but in order to magnify these callings we must first be faithful unto Him. He will continue to trust us with spiritual experiences as we prove our faithfulness in roles in which we assigns us.
2. What group is specifically selected to be examples according to 1 Cor 4:9-17?
1. The Lord has called prophets and apostles to lead and guide the church with good examples. Like us, the Brethren are given a stewardship to lead and to teach. As they live worthy and faithful lives independently, then The Lord will uphold them and protect them in order for these men to uphold their calling. 
3. How does being a good example apply to more than this group?
1. Although the Brethren are called upon to have a large stewardship, all those who are children of God have a stewardship and responsibility to help other come unto Him. Therefore, all men, women, and children have a divine role in bring to pass His work by being good, wholesome examples to those around them— in their stewardship.
4. Why is it not enough just to know and not to act according to Alma 39:11-12?
1. As Alma teaches, The Lord commands us to “do good.” It is our responsibility as His servants to find those seeking His truth. If we but keep out mouthes closed and refrain from sharing and uplifting, the evil things of the world will find their way to those seeking. Satan is a master at his art of turning people away form truth. If we do not fill the world with good, it will inherently be filled with evil. We must do our part!
5. What additional power comes to those who live what they know according to 3 Nephi 8:1?
1. With the power bestowed on us by Jesus Christ, if we are worthy, are are able to preform miracles in His name. As we do these things and align our will with Him, we will be cleansed of our sins and past transgressions. God promises us that as we preform “miracle[s] in the name of Jesus [we can be] cleansed every whit from [our] iniquity."

Forgiveness

1. What were the people of Corinth commanded to do “if any have caused grief?”
1. According to 1 Cor 2:1-11— In these verse we are reassured that God is with us in our lowest of lows. God understands out weaknesses and fears. He councils us that if we feel low or fearful, we can call on the Sprit of God for comfort. It is through this Spirit that we will be able to better understand our hard times and find refuge in Him.
2. According to Matthew 6:14-15— We are commanded to forgive. As others feel feelings of grief and pain for wrong that has come upon them, we are commanded to console them and be a rock for them as we forgive and accept them as a child or God. We are all in a learning state and cannot let others stay unchanged. A factor involved in change is allotted by others. As we open our minds and hearts, allowing for others to change and improve in our minds, we are giving them an opportunity to grow and to become examples to us.
3. According to Doctrine and Covenants 64:9-10— Again we are reminded to forgive. The Lord first sets the example of forgiveness as He allows us partake of those blessings. The next step is for us to extend that mercy and forgiveness to others around us. If those around us don’t allow us to change, then we will become disheartened and demotivated. Instead we should provide an environment for growth and rebirth, just as the Savior does for us.

Pentecost// upholding our covenants

The Day of the Pentecost

1. Briefly describe the meaning of the day of Pentecost.
1. The Pentecost was called “The Day of the Harvest” in the times of the Old Testament. This was a time for people to gather to celebrate the first crops and such of the season. It is very fitting that missionary work was underway during this celebration and not only was the new food of “the harvest” celebrated, but the new member of “The Lord’s vineyard” were celebrated. The teachings of Paul touched the hearts of 3,000+ saints and they received baptism and then the gift of the Holy Ghost to be one in covenant with each other and The Lord.
2. List 2-3 of Paul’s teachings on this day.
1. On this day Paul taught a teaching that God has previously taught: “it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:” (Acts 2:17-18). This teaching is a promise form God. God is recognizing and verbalizing that His holy Spirit will be available to utilized by “all flesh.” The Paul is teaching this to the people to teach them of the love and mercy that God has; He is making this amazing blessing available to all.
2. Paul teaches the saint to “...Save yourselves from this untoward generation.” Peter has already taught the principle of baptism and about the gift of the Holy Ghost that follows the ordinance of baptism, so now they are calling the people to action by exporting them to obey and follow God.
3. In what ways did Peter fulfill his role as a special witness of Jesus Christ?
1. Peter fulfilled his role as a special witness of Jesus Christ by testifying of Jesus’ resurrection and teaching the importance and meaning of it. This teaching and testimony brings souls unto Christ, Him who he was called to witness for. This role is further fulfill as Peter teachings the saving ordinance of baptism: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
4. What gifts of the Spirit were made manifest on the day of the Pentecost?
1. The gift of tongues, visions, prophecies, and signs were all given as blessings on this day (Acts 2:17). The gift of having the Holy Spirit “seen and heard” (Acts 2:33) were give on this day we well to witness to the saints who were being taught by Peter and Paul.
5. How did the people respond to what occurred on this day?
1. Those who listened and felt of the Holy Spirit, acted right away (Acts 2:41). These saints were baptized and upheld their baptismal covenants well by “[continuously being] steadfast (Acts 2:41) and continued in daily learning from the prophets and apostles, prayer, sabbath-day worship of breaking bread, and temple worship (Acts 2:41-46). These saints praised God because they understood the covenant that they were privileged to make with God. These saints were of His elect.
2. Now that we have the examples of these elect and righteous people (found in Acts 2 of the New Testament), how do we continue to uphold the covenants that we made with God at the time of our baptism?

I'm back// Proper Priesthood Authory

Today marks 2 years since I first entered the MTC.  This blog was created to document my journey and experience as I set out to serve The Lord as His full-time missionary. That calling was extended, accepted, and executed. I am now continuing my education at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Here I have enrolled in a New Testament class. In this class we will be reading the latter half of the New Testament in the King James Version of the Holy Bible. I want to share the thoughts and things that I learn with those who still might be following this blog.

If anyone ever has questions or comments, please feel free to contact me! I would love to further teach or study these topics with anyone who is interested.

--AnneMarie Sloan

Assignment 1

Proper Authority and Ministering to the People

1. What did Paul do for the Corinthian saints because it hadn’t been done right the first time?
1. Paul came to the Corinthian people to preach to them but to his surprise they told him that they had already been baptized. As Paul inquired further, he learned that they were not baptized under the proper authority in the name of Jesus Christ. In order for these saints to be properly ordained worthy of eternal blessings, they stood in need of being baptized by one holding the proper priesthood authority of God. Thus Paul baptized these twelve saints in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:3-4).
2. How does this help answer the question many nonmembers have about the need of being baptized when they have already been baptized?
1. We understand that the proper authority of God is required in order for people to receive eternal blessings that they are privileged to. The importance of this sacred order comes from God’s eternal plan for us. His plan is what sets standards and guidelines to help us stay on the straight and narrow path that leads back to Him. This order is a tool to be taught and utilized to show our trust and commitment to Him. His elect will understand and obey (Acts 19:3-5).
3. In what way did Paul bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost?
1. After these saints were baptized, Paul laid his hands upon the Corinthian’s saint’s heads to bestow the Holy Ghost on them (Acts 19:6).
4. On what day of the week did the saints meet to break bread?
1. The saints break bread on Sunday (Acts 20:7-8). Now that Jesus Christ is resurrected, the saints understand that we worship a living God. When the Earth was first created in the beginning, God rested on the “last day” which was Saturday. But now that Jesus Christ fulfilled His mission here on Earth, we now remember and worship on the day that He was resurrected.
5. What evidence is there in John 20:1, 19 for why the Sabbath day was changed?
1. John 20:1 talked about Mary, the mother of Jesus, coming to His tomb after He is crucified and then buried in the tomb. The tomb is where Jesus’ body was laid by the saints after His soul left his mortal body for a time. This verse is when Mary finds the stone from in front of the tomb gone. This is when we read about Christ being resurrected, thus teaching us that the Sabbath day was changed from Saturday to Sunday.