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.

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.

The Institution Of The Sacrament

All too often we forget that the last supper is really two events rather than just one.  On that night the Savior preformed a traditional Passover feast in the tradition of Moses, but then at the end added a new element, the bread and wine which were specifically given to the apostles as an ordinance to “do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

It is important to remember that Passover was instituted not only as a commemoration for the temporal salvation of Israel in the time of Moses,  but also as a sign pointing forward to the future total salvation of all humanity from Spiritual and Temporal death through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Thus, as the Passover pointed forward, the Sacrament of the Lords Supper points backwards to the fundamental event of existence. Both the Passover and the Sacrament place stress on the obligation and covenant to remember, something that is fundamental to accepting and applying the atonement of the Savior in our lives.

I think that the covenant of Remembrance makes the Sacrament a unique ordinance in the church. All of the other Ordinances of the Priesthood are divided into two categories – Temporal ordinances (such as naming and blessing children, blessing the sick, setting apart to a calling, etc.) and Ordinances of Salvation (Baptism, Confirmation, Temple Ordinances, etc.). The easiest way to differentiate between the two is that the first category does not involve covenants and many can be received several times in a lifetime, while the second category all involve covenants and almost always are only received once for ones self. However, only the Sacrament blurs the line between the two, it is the only ordinance involving a covenant that we receive multiple times in our life. Perhaps the reason for this is that we are covenanting to remember, something that we must do frequently as we live here on earth.

But the sacrament is more than just a replacement for or reiteration of the Passover, it is a reminder that the Lord no longer requires a physical sacrifice of an animal, but rather a sacrifice of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” (3 Ne 9:19-20). While the breaking of bread may be more palatable to our modern sensibilities than torn animal flesh, we should always remember that it represents the broken body of our Lord, and that we should be grateful for the suffering he endured for our sake.

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.

Being A Disciple Of Jesus Christ

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

• Listening to the Lord, even when you’re busy
• Praying to God, thanking Him for blessings and asking for help
• Recognizing that God knows what’s best for you and being patient when asking for His help
• Not seeking worldly treasure, but building up spiritual treasure
• Not being so concerned with yourself, but having faith in the Lord to direct your life
• Striving to follow the Lord
• Being committed to the Lord and following Him is your priority
• Not being selfish, but helping others
• Trusting God to answer your prayers in the best way possible

One of these things I want to work on in my own life is helping others.  Christ served all who were around Him.  By following that example, I can become more like a disciple of Christ.  It’s important to take opportunities to serve those around us.  I know from my own experiences that as I take the time to help others, I am so full of peace and joy because I know I did the right thing.  I am happier when I serve others.  I tend to feel busy and trying to look for ways to help others is definitely something I can work on.  But I know that if I do this, I will see blessings in my life and will feel good about taking the time to serve.

Ultimately, what is required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is entirely dedicating oneself to God and realizing all we have are blessings from Him.  As we strive to align our will with God’s, we can all become disciples of Christ and enjoy the peace and happiness that comes from doing so.