Teaching

2 Peter 2:1-19 teaches us to be aware of false teachers and how we can identify them.

Characteristics of False Teachers:

Teach Heresies Deny the Lord Speak feigned words Make their teaching a business Walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness

Despise the government Presumptuous Selfwilled Not afraid to speak evil of dignities Find rioting as a pleasure

Adulterous Sinful Unstable Speak alluring words of vanity Promise liberty when bondage results Covetousness

How this list helps me recognize false teachers today:

If I hear people with these characteristics or teaching things with these characteristics, I can know to be weary and that these people are most likely false teachers.  Because the scriptures share this information, I will know what to be aware of and what false teachers are like.

Dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world:”

2 Peter 2:20-22 teaches us that it’s worse to know righteousness and to turn back to the “pollutions of the world.”  Doctrine & Covenants 82:3 teaches us that “to much is given, much is required.”  When we are given light and truth, we are accountable for the knowledge we have and how we choose to use it.  Verse 7 of the same chapter teaches us that when a person repents, but goes back to their old ways, their old sins will return to them.  If we want to be forgiven of our sins, we must always strive to live the gospel and keep the commandments.

Living Our Religion

The Epistle of James in the New Testament gives wonderful insights on ways that we can live our religion and follow Jesus Christ.  James 1:19 teaches us that we should be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. 

James 3 teaches us the following:

Things We Say That Are Offensive to God	Things We Say That Are Pleasing to God
Cursing men Speaking badly about others	Praises to God Blessings

James 4:1-12 teaches us about the effects of worldliness and how we can counter those effects through our faith and actions:

Symptoms of Being in the World	Prescription for Being out of the World
Wars Fighting Lusts Killing Covetousness Adultery	Submit yourself to God Resist the devil and temptations Draw closer to God Purify your heart Speak kindly about others Humble yourself

I’m so glad we have the scriptures as a reference and that we have Jesus Christ and his gospel to direct our lives.

Works of Righteousness

Paul concludes his epistle to the Hebrews in chapter 13 with some great teachings and counsel.  Some of the things he shares include answers to these questions:

How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds?”

We must love those around us, including strangers and those in bonds.  “Let brotherly love continue” and “be not forgetful to entertain strangers” because we may not be aware of who these strangers are.  (Verses 1-2)

How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is honorable in all.  God will judge adulterers and whoremongers.  (Verse 4)

What warnings are given about covetousness?

We should avoid coveting others, but be content with what we have.  We must recognize that God will never leave or forsake us.  (Verse 5)

What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and forever?”

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and forever.  We can always rely on him and his unchanging gospel. (Verse 8)

How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through the blood and Atonement of Jesus Christ.  (Verse 12)

How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We must obey those that rule over us.  We should trust that they have our best interests at heart. (Verse 17)

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

We should pray for the leaders of the church. (Verse 18)

There are many more great principles and teachings found in this chapter.  I’m so grateful for the scriptures and the guidance and strength they give me.

Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

Although the scriptures are from ancient times, we can still use them to find solutions to modern life challenges.  For example:

Example 1:  People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings of throughout the week.

Solution:  Philippians 2 teaches us that we must be unified and love one another.  We shouldn’t let petty issues create strife or think that we are better than each other.  It says we should “do all things without murmurings and disputings.”

Example 2:  Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them.  Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength.

Solution:  Philippians 2 states that we must “work out your own salvation” and shine as a light to the world.  President David O. McKay shares additional insight on this topic:

“An outstanding doctrine of the Church is that each individual carries the responsibility to work out his own salvation, and salvation is a process of gradual development. The Church does not accept the doctrine that a mere murmured belief in Jesus Christ is all that is necessary. A man may say he believes, but if he does nothing to make that belief or faith a moving power to do, to accomplish, to produce soul growth, his professing will avail him nothing. ‘Work out your salvation’ is an exhortation to demonstrate by activity, by thoughtful, obedient effort the reality of faith. But this must be done with a consciousness that absolute dependence upon self may produce pride and weakness that will bring failure. With ‘fear and trembling’ we should seek the strength and grace of God for inspiration to obtain the final victory.
“To work out one’s salvation is not to sit idly by dreaming and yearning for God miraculously to thrust bounteous blessings into our laps. It is to perform daily, hourly, momentarily, if necessary, the immediate task or duty at hand, and to continue happily in such performance as the years come and go, leaving the fruits of such labors either for self or for others to be bestowed as a just and beneficent Father may determine.” (David O. McKay in CR, Apr. 1957, p. 7.)

Example 3:  An investigator is considering joining the church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does.

Solution:  The blessings of the gospel are incomparable with things we may lose to obtain it.  Philippians 3 discusses this and says “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”  We “can do all things through Christ which” strengthens us.

The scriptures teach us that as we “feast upon the words of Christ” through study, we will know what to do.  This is true for any decision, situation, or challenge that we will ever face.  I’m grateful for the strength and wisdom that the scriptures provide and that we have them available to use as a resource in our lives.

Live as Saints Should Live

Paul gives wonderful counsel for us on how we can live Christ’s gospel and receive salvation.  In Romans 13:11, he stated that our salvation is nearer than we believed.  Ezekiel 3:20 and Doctrine & Covenants 14:7 both bring up that to receive salvation, we must continue in righteousness, follow God’s commandments, and endure to the end.

In Romans 12-13, Paul lists multiple things that we can do that leads us to salvation.  Here are a few of them:

Romans 12:1 – Sacrifice ourselves to the service of God.

Romans 12:2 – Not follow the ways of the world, but follow the ways of God.  Be transformed and renewed.

Romans 12:9 – Love without dissimulation.  Cleave to what is good and abhor that which is evil.

Romans 12:13 – Serve others, give to those in need, be hospitable.

Romans 12:16 – Don’t think you are better or wiser than others.  See others as your equals.

Romans 12:21 – Overcome evil with good.

Romans 13:1 – Rely on the power of God.

Romans 13:3 – Do what is good.

Romans 13:8 – Love one another.

Romans 13:9 – Keep the commandments.

He further cautions us about judging others in Romans 14:1-13 and 15:1-3.  We don’t need to judge others – everyone will eventually be judged at the judgment seat of Christ.  People may have different opinions and practices than ourselves, but it’s important to remember that everyone is a child of God.  It’s the intent of their hearts, their faith in God, and the spirit in which they act that is more important than their different opinions or beliefs.

Doctrine & Covenants 38:25-27 gives further insight by saying we must esteem each other as ourselves.  We must be united.

Paul frequently used the term “saints” to refer to the members of the church in his day.  By following his counsel and striving to live Christ’s gospel, we truly can live a saint-like life.

Baptism

Romans 6 in the New Testament has excellent teachings on baptism.

It teaches us that we need to change – we can’t continue sinning and assume that God’s grace makes it alright.  We need to start a new life, following the teachings of Jesus Christ and following Him.

It teaches us of the significance of baptism and it’s symbolism of Christ’s life.  Just as Christ died and was resurrected, we are “buried” in the water (symbolizing death) and are brought back up with newness of life.  Our old selves are gone and our new selves are alive in Christ and His teachings.

This symbolism of being buried in the water and coming out of the water “reborn” lends itself well for full-immersion baptism.  Sprinkling does not have the same significance or meaning that is intended.

We can maintain the “newness of life” we experience at baptism by striving to follow Christ’s teachings, keep the commandments, overcome sin and temptations, and doing all we can to do God’s will.  As we fill our lives with righteousness and remember that it is through Christ that we can be redeemed, we will invite His Spirit into our lives and we will be strengthened.

Mosiah 3:19 in the Book of Mormon teaches us that the “natural man” is an enemy to God.  That part of us should die at baptism as we start anew and become more like Christ.

Romans 6 furthermore explains how we can know whose servant we are.  It is by identifying what we yield to – do we yield to sin or are free from sin?  What do we bring into our lives – corruptions or holiness?  Romans 6:23 states it very well:

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

It is through repentance and trying our very best to follow Christ that we are made free.  Sin imprisons us and we become captive to Satan.  But as we free ourselves from sin and its ugly consequences, we are made free and can ultimately enjoy eternal life through Jesus Christ.

L-R: Me and Brooke at our baptism in 1996.

Use the Spirit to Come to the Lord

2 Corinthians 3:6 teaches us that “the Spirit giveth life.”  Conversely, Romans 6:23 teaches us that "the wages of sin is death."  It is essential that we do our best to invite the Spirit into our lives, to avoid sin as much as possible, and to repent when we fall short.

2 Corinthians is full of information and teachings of the Spirit and how we can become closer to God.

2 Corinthians 4:6-10 - We must be hopeful as we face life by always having Christ in our hearts and minds.  God is our strength and will help us overcome everything.  

2 Corinthians 4:14-18 - Gratitude will strengthen us and bring us closer to God.

2 Corinthians 5:7-10 - We must walk by faith rather than sight.  This means putting our trust in God.

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - We must be ambassadors of Christ, bear testimony and witness of Him.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 - We must strengthen each other, help each other, and be united in faith.

2 Corinthians 7:1, 9-10 - We must cleanse ourselves through sincere repentance and strive to always to better.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - We can face difficulties and trials with strength as we rely on Christ.

I know that as we strive to live with Christ's Spirit in our lives, we will be strengthened in our daily lives and feel the presence of God with us.  We are so blessed to have a God who loves and cares about us and will help us when we need Him.

Del Norte County, California
Photography by my mom :)

Paul's Counsel for Members

Paul shares wonderful counsel and advice for believers of Christ in 1 Thessalonians. 3:12-13, 4:1-12, 5:1-22, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11

There is a very lengthy list of things that he counseled the members to work on, which are all things that we can improve and work on today!  I chose 3 attributes that he shared that I want to improve on.  They are:

Love One Another

This is one of Christ’s great commandments – to love God and to love your neighbor.  I want to work on loving those around me by seeing them as children of God – my brothers and sisters.  I can do this at work, church, and at home by looking for ways to serve those around me and express my love for them in simple, meaningful ways.  I know that even a smile, or a friendly “hello” can make a difference and life someone’s day.

Comfort & Edify One Another

This one goes along with love one another, but I want to work on this as well.  I want to look for ways to edify others and one thing I want to do is to just share simple, conversational testimony.  Sharing my blessings with others, acknowledging God’s hand in my life.  I can also be attentive and give comfort or encouragement to others.  I can do this by sharing my testimony and telling of all the blessings I receive from God each day, which will help them think of their own many blessings and feel better.

Pray Without Ceasing

It’s easy for me to get into a prayer routine, but the Bible encourages us to pray always.  To pray without ceasing.  I can and should pray about anything and everything.  So this is something I will work on – I want to pray about my daily situations, give thanks for daily blessings, and just have my mind and heart centered on Jesus Christ.

I know that I can improve on these things as I turn to the Lord for help.  I know that I will be blessed for my efforts as I strive to follow the counsels of His servants.

The Day of Pentecost

The Pentecost was a Jewish celebration that occurred 50 days after the Passover feast.  The name itself comes from the Greek work “pentekoste,” meaning “fiftieth.”  Other names it was referred to as include “Dayof the First Fruits,” “Feast of Harvest,” and “the Feast of Weeks.”

The day of Pentecost, found in Acts 2, was an incredible event.  Peter taught the multitude that this pouring out of the Spirit was a fulfillment of prophecy, that God said He would pour out His Spirit in the last days.  He taught them of prophecy, miracles, and gifts of the Spirit.

Peter testified of Jesus Christ and His power.  He invited the multitude to repent and be baptized in Christ’s name and to receive the Holy Ghost.  His testimony strengthened many and 3,000 people were baptized!

Many spiritual gifts were made apparent that day.  They spoke in tongues and prophecies.  They understood each other, even if they spoke different languages.  They were filled with the Spirit of God.  They were filled with a desire to follow God and be baptized.  They were filled with love for each other, served one another, and took care of each other.

I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost and that it continues to be on earth today.  It’s been a blessing throughout my life and has been a source of strength and comfort.  I know that God works great miracles through the Holy Ghost and that gift truly shows of the deep love He has for each of us.

The Savior's Instructions About The Holy Ghost

John 14-16 has some wonderful teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Ghost.  He was teaching his disciples about what the Holy Ghost does and what they must do to receive it.

The Holy Ghost:

Comforts

Teaches

Brings things to remembrance

Brings Peace

Guides to Truth

Testifies of Christ

Reproves sin

Inspires us to live up to our full potential

Serves as a messenger of God & does His will

To Receive the Holy Ghost:

Keep the commandments

Be not troubled or afraid

Share testimonies and be a witness of Christ

The Holy Ghost was vital in the continuance of the gospel after Christ’s resurrection.  The Holy Ghost was able to direct, strengthen, and comfort the Apostles as they continued their ministries.  The Holy Ghost was able to bear witness to their words as they shared their testimonies and Christ’s teachings.  They were able to feel of God’s presence with them through the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost has been a wonderful blessing throughout my life.  I remember having a difficult time at the very beginning of my mission.  I felt like my trainer hated me and that I shouldn’t be there.  But as I prayed and asked God for help, I felt the peace and comfort of the Holy Ghost.  I knew that God was with me during this hard time, and that strengthened me.  I’m grateful for this experience because it continued to help me throughout my mission.

Preparing For The Savior's Second Coming

Mark 13 is a great chapter that addresses the Savior's Second Coming.  Christ states that if we take heed, we won't be deceived.  The words "take heed" and "watch" appear many times in this chapter.  This is a good way for us to know what we  can do to be prepared.  There are numerous things that are listed that we can watch for.  Some of them include:

False Christs

Wars & Rumors of Wars

The Gospel of Christ will be shared in all nations


Other References To The Second Coming:
Doc & Cov 87:8 directs us to stand in holy placed and be not moved.
Joseph Smith - Matthew has some great resources as well!  As we treasure up the word of God, we will not be deceived.  We need to continually do God's work and will.
As long as we are faithful and praying always, we can be prepared for His coming. (Doc & Cov 33:17)
We need to receive the truth and have the Holy Spirit as our guide.  (Doc & Cov 45:56-57)

I know that as we strive to follow Christ and live as He would have us live, we'll be prepared for His Second Coming and won't be deceived.  I'm grateful for the guidance that the scriptures provide, as well as the Holy Spirit.  The gospel is our source of truth and peace.

The Widow's Mites

Mark 12:41-44 tells the account of a widow who donated all that she had – two mites.  This account contains a powerful example for all of us.  Earlier in the same chapter, Christ says that the first commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:28-30)  This widow’s love was apparent in her sacrifice of two mites.

While others gave much more than two mites, her offering had more value because it was all she had.  When it comes to giving of ourselves to the Lord, it’s quality that counts.  If we give a lot, but hold back even more, that means even less than the two mites that the lady gave.  2 Nephi 25:23 states the importance of doing all we can throughout our life for God, and after that are we saved by His grace.  This widow did just that – she did everything she could, gave everything she had, and for that she was certainly blessed.

Giving to the Lord is more than just donating money.  It includes giving of our time, talents, friendship and love.  We can magnify our church assignments and callings.  We can be kind to others.  We can strive to obey God’s commandments and follow Christ’s teachings.  As we dedicate ourselves to the Lord and fully give of ourselves, we will be richly blessed throughout our lives.

Parables & Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

Parable of the Unjust Steward

Luke 16:1-12

This unjust steward knew he would soon lose his position as steward, and went about making preparations for his future life.  The message here is that we, knowing that we’ll return to God one day, must do all we can to prepare for our future of eternal life.

Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

There are two different states or conditions of our postmortal lives – paradise and prison.  Jesus Christ bridged the gap of these two states and the gospel is preached within all parts of the spirit world.

The Ten Lepers

Luke 17:11-19

The faith of these lepers was tested when Christ asked them to show themselves to the priest, and they were healed along the way.  Only one, a Samaritan, of the ten returned to give thanks to Jesus.  Not only is our faith important in receiving blessings and miracles, but giving thanks is important as well.

The Ten Lepers

Parable of the Unjust Judge

Luke 18:1-8

This parable shows that even an unjust judge who doesn’t care about God or others will eventually respond to the pleas of others.  This assures us that God, who is merciful and just, will definitely hear our pleas and readily answer.

Parable of the Pharisee & the Publican

Luke 18:9-14

This parable demonstrates the importance of humility.  Self-righteousness, pride, and self-exaltation will only lead to a decline.  Humility will lead to true exaltation.

Faith To Be Healed

There is an account of a boy who was in need of healing (Matthew 17:14-21).  He was brought to Christ’s disciples first, but they could not heal him.  The boy was then brought to Christ, who healed him, leaving the disciples to ask why they were unable to heal him themselves.  Christ answered and told them of three important things they must have and do:

1. Faith
2. Prayer
3. Fasting

Here are some additional scriptures about blessings from God:

• 3 Nephi 18:20 – If what we ask for is right, God will give it. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 50:29 – If we are clean from sin, we can ask God for blessings and we will receive them. 
• Doctrine & Covenants 42:48 – We must have faith to be healed in order to be healed. 

Blessings are a special gift from God.  I’ve received blessings when I’ve been sick and have recovered quickly because of them.  It’s always important to remember that we are healed according to our faith, just as the scriptures indicate.  I’m grateful to have these blessings available to us.

Walking On The Sea

I love the account of Jesus walking on water. (Matthew 14:22-33)  When the Apostles initially saw Christ walking towards them on the water, they were troubled and feared that it was a spirit.  But Jesus called out to them and told them it was Him and to be not afraid.  Peter responded by asking if he could walk out to Him on the water, and he did so for a little bit.  But there was boisterous wind and the sea was tossed with waves, and Peter became afraid, causing him to start sinking.  He cried out saying, “Lord, save me,” and Christ immediately reached out to him.

Doctrine & Covenants 88:67 says:  “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”

This scripture relates well with Peter walking on the sea.  President Howard W Hunter that said:

Peter sprang over the vessel’s side and into the troubled waves, and while his eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind might toss his hair and the spray might drench his robes, but all was well. Only when with wavering faith he removed his glance from the Master to look at the furious waves and the black gulf beneath him, only then did he begin to sink. Again, like most of us, he cried, “Lord, save me.” Nor did Jesus fail him. He stretched out his hand and grasped the drowning disciple with the gentle rebuke, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

“It is my firm belief that if as individual people, as families, communities, and nations, we could, like Peter, fix our eyes on Jesus, we too might walk triumphantly over the swelling waves of disbelief and remain unterrified amid the rising winds of doubt. But if we turn away our eyes from him in whom we must believe, as it is so easy to do and the world is so much tempted to do, if we look to the power and fury of those terrible and destructive elements around us rather than to him who can help and save us, then we shall inevitably sink in a sea of conflict and sorrow and despair.

“At such times when we feel the floods are threatening to drown us and the deep is going to swallow up the tossed vessel of our faith, I pray we may always hear amid the storm and the darkness that sweet utterance of the Savior of the world: ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid’(Matt. 14:27)” (Ensign, Nov. 1992).

As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we will be able to endure waves and storms in our own lives.  I’m grateful for the Savior and the strength He gives me.  I hope that I can keep my eye single to God.  I know that as I strive to do so, I will be blessed.

The Lord Often Taught With Parables

“Without a parable spake he not unto them.” – Mark 4:34

What is a Parable?

A parable is a comparison – usually a principle or doctrine explained in a story.  The elements of the story are symbolic, representing things applicable to the principle or doctrine taught within it.  

The neat thing about parables is the level of understanding it varies person to person.  There are those seeking the word of the Lord and will be taught and edified by parables.  And there are those who do not understand them at all.  And there are people in between who grasp things from parables and benefit from the knowledge gained.

A parable can have different meanings to different people, and those meanings can change for those people at different times in their lives.  While the parable remains the same, the knowledge and learning can expand over time.

Teaching in parables was a way for Christ to teach those who believed and were willing to listen.  It was almost a way of weeding out those who didn’t care.  By teaching this way, His teachings weren’t “cast to swine” or those that wanted to find faults in his teachings.  Yet at the same time, those who wanted to follow Him could understand his teachings and use them in their own lives.

Parables can be applied to current topics and questions:

• What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?  
• Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33) A woman adds a little leaven (yeast) in some dough, and eventually the leaven is incorporated all throughout the dough entirely.  Just like the leaven, the Church will eventually spread throughout the world.

• Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?  

• Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50)  Nets are cast into the sea to gather fish of every kind.  When the nets are full, the fish are separated good from bad.  As we send out missionaries, more good fish can be gathered.  The sea is the world and the net is the missionary efforts.  The gathering the good into vessels is the people who accept the gospel and the bad being cast away are those who reject it at that time.

• 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? 
• Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) A mustard seed is the least of seeds – very tiny and insignificant in appearance.  But as a mustard seed is planted, it grows into a huge tree.  Like the mustard seed, the Church started out tiny, seemingly insignificant, but as it has grown rapidly and continues to do so, just as the seed grows into a tree.

• Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?
• Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:45-46)  This is one of my favorite parables – it really shows the eternal significance of the gospel.  The parable tells of a man who found a pearl of great price.  He sold everything that he had in order to by that pearl.  This is what members of the Church do – they have the gospel (pearl of great price) and are willing to give up wealth, recognition, and other worldly things in order to keep this valuable pearl.

• Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church? 
• Parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30) This parable tells of a man who planted good seeds in his field.  But at night another came and placed seeds of tares (weeds) along with the good seeds!  The man knew that if he tried to remove the tares at first, that the good seeds would just come up with it.  So he let them both grow together and when the time of harvest came, he first took the tares and burned them, and afterwards was able to harvest his crop.  Sometimes people get too caught up in things of the world, just like the good seeds get too mixed in with tares and come up with the tares at harvest time.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is very meaningful.  It teaches us that we must be willing to sacrifice.  Sacrifices are required to keep the gospel in our lives.  The gospel is the greatest treasure available to us.  I’m willing to sacrifice my job, my clothes, my car, my everyday conveniences and luxuries to have the gospel in my life.  I’m also willing to not shop on Sundays, to pay tithing on my income, to give time and energy to my calling, and attend church ever week.  As we make sacrifices to have the gospel in our lives, we will be able to see the blessings of it and better appreciate the gospel in our lives.

The Beatitudes

I love the Beatitudes – they are one of my very favorite parts of the New Testament.  Matthew 5:1-12 contains the beautiful Sermon of the Mount that Jesus Christ delivered.  This Sermon is the greatest sermon ever given.  It contains blessings known as the Beatitudes.

The word Beatitude comes from the Latin word beatus.  The word beatus is defined as “to be fortunate,” “to be happy,” or “to be blessed.”  I think this word is very fitting, due to the truth of each Beatitude and the blessing accompanying each one. 

In the Beatitudes, you will find a lot of “blessed” and “blessedness” going on.  According to the LDS Guide tothe Scriptures, blessed and blessedness is explained “to confer divine favor upon someone. Anything contributing to true happiness, well-being, or prosperity is a blessing.”  This stands true for the Beatitudes.  They definitely are a divine favor to each of us and they definitely contribute to true happiness, well-being, and prosperity.

The Beatitudes

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Blessed Are They That Mourn

Blessed Are the Meek

Blessed Are They That Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

Blessed Are the Merciful

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed Are They Which Are Persecuted

That is obviously a very basic list of them.  I want to focus on three of them and share more about them.

1. "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

This is a blessing that is present in anyone’s lives.  And we all can receive comfort through our faith in Jesus Christ.  He knows exactly how we feel as we face difficulties or challenges and He knows exactly how to help us.  As we turn to Him and rely on him for strength and help, we will be comforted through the Holy Ghost.  I know that because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, I will never be alone or helpless.  Jesus Christ will always be there for me and I can receive peace and comfort from the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

 2. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” – Matthew 5:6 

As we hunger and thirst after righteousness, we will be lead down the path of Christ.  As we seek out to study, pray, take the Sacrament and attend the Temple, our spirits will be filled.  I’ve seen this to be true in my own life – as I make a continued effort to pray daily, study God’s words in the scriptures,  go to church and the Temple, I have an increased desire to follow Christ and to come closer to Him.  I also feel closer to Him and feel the Spirit more strongly in my life.

3. “Blessed are peacemakers: for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace.  It is through following Jesus Christ and His example that we can return to God.  As we strive to be peacemakers in our own lives, we will be blessed with peace and the happiness that comes from following Christ’s example.  When I’ve had the opportunity to be a peacemaker at home, work, ,or school, I have benefitted from the peace of mind and heart that follows.  I know that I can be a good influence and make a difference in the lives of others, as well as my own.

I love the teachings and principles that Christ taught and I know that following them will bring us happiness and peace.

We Must Be Born Again

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”  - John 3:3

What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

First of all, you can see a place without actually entering it.  For example – Temples.  Many people visit temple grounds and see the beautiful Houses of the Lord.  They even feel His spirit there, but it takes more than just seeing the temple to receive the numberless blessings it provides in our lives.  We must do more – we must be doing all we can to follow Christ’s teachings.  We must obtain temple recommends through proper authority that signifies our person worthiness and efforts in living the gospel.  We must be willing to make promises to follow God.  And as we make these addition steps, not only will we see the temples, but we will enter the temple.  I think the same holds true for the kingdom of God.  It’s one thing to see it, but it takes more to enter.

What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must to do enter the kingdom of God?

• Jesus taught that we must be born again.  He said we must be born of water and of the Spirit.  Mosiah 5:7 sheds some addition light concerning being “born again.”  It says that as we make covenants (promises) with God, we become His children, sons and daughters, and our hearts change and we are born of Him.  So as we change and improve our lives and make promises with God to follow Him, we can be “born of God.” 

What does it mean to be “born of water?”

• Being “ born of water” indicates baptism.  Jesus Christ gave us the perfect example of the necessity of all to be baptized.  As we make the promise to follow God as we are baptized, it is a symbolic rebirth, as we are immersed into the water and come up fresh and new.

• Moses 6:59 demonstrates a ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth by discussing how transgression brings the fall (death).  Being cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ is the way for us to live again.  Just as we come to earth, we must be cleansed and born again through water (baptism) and live again with God.

• Romans 6:4 exemplifies baptism as symbol of death by describing “we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”  I like this illustration of newness that comes from baptism.  We go into the water, symbolizing death, and we are raised out of the water as a new being.

What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?”

• Being born of the Spirit indicates the gift of the Holy Ghost.  That is the next step after baptism, or being born of water.  We receive this gift by the laying on of hands by those with authority to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  As we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, we will have the blessing of guidance, direction, comfort, and knowledge in our lives.

• God compares the Spirit to the wind in John 3:8.  The wind blows where it will.  We can hear the wind, but do we know where it comes from or where it’s going?  This is a good comparison because we can hear the promptings of the Spirit and feel its presence in our lives, although it is subtle like the wind.  But also like the wind, it comes from something greater, and is going on to do great things.

To end, there are a couple of meaningful passages in John 3.  Verses 14-17 and 35-36 show of God’s great love for the world and all His children.  He loves us so much that he gave his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  He gave His Son that we can be saved and return to Him.  He loves His Son as well, and He trusted Him to do His will.  And if we accept and follow and believe in Him, God promises everlasting life and salvation.  This is a beautiful promise and I’m grateful for this knowledge that I have.  I know that we are children of God, that He loves each of us, and if we follow Him, we can return to Him through the Atonement and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Names and Titles of Jesus Christ

• Christ:  This is a sacred title and was not an everyday name.  It is Greek for “the anointed” and corresponds with the Hebrew names “Messiah” or “Messias,” which also mean “the anointed.”  It shows the Lords divine origin.

•  Messiah:  Messiah is the Aramaic word meaning “The anointed.”  This name is essentially interchangeable with “Christ” in definition.  It exemplifies the fact of Christ’s preordination.

•  Jehovah:   The Bible Dictionary defines this name as “Unchangeable One” and “The eternal I AM.”  The Institute Manual says it means “Self-Existent One” or “The Eternal.”  “I Am” denotes “Self Existent One”, so it’s neat to see how these names all intertwine and help us to understand the significance of this title.

•  Immanuel:  This name means “God with us.”  It’s a name-title given in Isaiah as a sign of God’s deliverance.

•  The Word:  Because Jesus is the Son of God and does the will of God, He essentially becomes a proxy of the Word of God.  Talmage wrote “…the Father operated in the work of creation through the Son, who thus became the executive through whom the will, commandment, or word of the Father was put into effect. It is with incisive appropriateness therefore, that the Son, Jesus Christ, is designated by the apostle John as the Word…” (Jesus the Christ, 33).