Week 6 (2Ptr; 1 Jhn; 2 Jhn; 3 Jhn; Jude; Rev)

What are the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter in 2 Peter 2:1-19?  How can these characteristics be used to recognize false teachers today?

1. Deny the Lord
2. Speak evil of the truth
3. Make merchandise of their followers
4. Presumptuous
5. Self-willed
6. Adulterous
7. Covetous
8. Vain
9. Lustful
10. Promise liberty

Today false teachers use similar tactics to lure their followers to a false hope.  The teachers are ungodly because the seek after personal gain and ambition.  They don't care for their students but only for money and worldly prestige they receive from life of glamor and fame.  It's not always easy to identify these people but when you compare their agenda to these characteristics described in second Peter it can help us expose thee flaws in false teachers.  

What are the dangers of returning to the "pollutions of the world?"  Refer to 2 Peter 2:20-22 and Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7.

Those people who receive great spiritual light are also given great expectations.  When they turn again from what they know and go the way of the world they are still accountable before God the knowledge they were given.   This accountability allows justice to weigh heavier on those to turn away from a "greater light".

Week 5 (Hebrews 8-13, James 1-5, 1 Peter 1-5)

From Hebrews 13 answer the following questions:

How should we treat strangers and those "in bonds"?

We are to treat strangers with brotherly love and as though they might be angels. 

How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage is honorable and whoremongers and adulterers is looked upon unfavorably. 

What warnings are given about covetousness?

Our conversations should be without covetousness because with the Lord we should be content.

What is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever"?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

How are we sanctified?

We are sanctified through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. 

How do we respond to those who rule over us?

We are to obey and submit to those who rule over us. 

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

Paul asks the people to pray for the leaders of the church especially the prophets and apostles. 

Week 4 (Eph; Phil; 1 Tim; 2 Tim; Phile; Titus; Heb 1-7)

What counsel was given in Philippians 2:1-8, 14-15 that applies to people who argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week?

The Philippines are counseled in these verses that we should be humble.  When we look at the Savior's example of willingly leaving the presence of Heavenly Father to come to earth and show us the way we have nothing to compare.  There never has been or will be a responsibility so large or difficult as the one the Savior performed.

What counsel is given to those who feel they can rely on their parents' testimony instead of developing their own spiritual strength? (Philippians 2:12-15)

People who feel they can rely on their parents' testimony are counseled to work out their own salvation by developing a testimony.  It's important for them to have a personal testimony to support them when they are not around their parents or church leaders.

What counsel is given to an investigator in Philippians 3:7-16; 4:13 who's family will no longer associate with him?

Paul counsels that there is nothing in this world too great to lose for the opportunity to follow Christ.  If an investigator's family is giving him opposition it his better that he should follow Christ and work out his own salvation then loose everything.

What principle is taught in 2 Nephi 32:2 about writing?

In this verse the principle of receiving the Holy Ghost before a person can speak or write with the power of the Holy Ghost is taught.

Week 3 (Rom; Acts 21-28)

From Romans 6:1-13 What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

According to these verses we need to burry our sins or stop doing them and be prepared to walk in a different way after we are baptized.

Baptism

What events from Christ's life are symbolized in baptism?

Baptism symbolizes Christ's death and resurrection.  After he was crucified he was laid in a tomb and then was resurrected to live with God.

Considering this symbolism, why couldn't someone be baptized by sprinkling

Someone couldn't be baptized by sprinkling because such a ceremony has none of the the symbolism of Christ's death and resurrection.  Also when Christ was baptized he was immersed in water to show us the way.  There has never been a change in the doctrine or method in which this ordinance should be performed.

What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the "newness of life"?

If we are to maintain a newness of life as indicated by these verses we need to yield ourselves to God.   By becoming instruments in His hands we will walk in the ways of righteousness which includes avoiding sin.

According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism?

Ideally our natural man should die at baptism.   With it's death we should be prepared to walk in a newness of life becoming as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of live, and willing to submit to the Lord.

From Romans 6:14-23 what describes how we know whose servant we are?

Christ After Resurrection 

We can know who's servant we are by if our actions are righteous.  Servants who yield to uncleanness and iniquity are not servants of God.  Servants of God have a fruit of holiness and will receive everlasting life.  They are those servants who will receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.

What is the true source of freedom?

True freedom is not being weighed down by sin and unrighteousness.  True freedom is being made clean and holy through the merits of Jesus Christ. 

Week 2 (1 Corinthians 4-16; 2 Corinthians; Galatians)

What is required of servants of the Lord according to 1 Corinthians 4:2?

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

This verse states that servants need to be faithful.  The footnote to this verse directs the reader to the topical guide reference of trustworthiness.  Further study of the associated scriptures brings to light the idea of keeping the way of the lord as being faithful from Genesis 18:19.

What group is specifically selected to be examples from 1 Corinthians 4:9-17?

From these verses the apostles of Christ are selected to be examples.  Members of the church of Christ are to be example with his chosen apostles.  Both should hunger and thirst after righteousness and endure the buffetings of satan.

How does being a good example apply to more than this group?

Member Missionary Work

Today as members of the church we can set an example to our friends and neighbors by faithfully keeping the commandments.  When we heed the prophet's council and keep the commandments they notice.

A couple years ago I attended a small community college in western Montana where I was one of the only members of the LDS church.  I didn't drink on weekends, smoke between classes, exchange pornographic text during class, or swear and everyone noticed.  Funny looks were exchanged at first but as the time went on they knew I had a testimony of Christ and wanted to obey his commandments.

Why is it not enough just to know what is right according to Alma 39:11-12?

In these verses Alma is speaking to his son Corianton about being lead away by wicked harlots.  He knew what was right because he had been righteous enough at one time to be called to serve a mission. The temptations of the devil overpowered his testimony and he stopped keeping the commandments.  If he would have continually done good he would not have been lead into this iniquitous path.

What additional power comes to those who live what they know from 3 Nephi 8:1?

Those who live the gospel are blessed in both in this life and in the after life.  These men and women can perform miracles and will be cleansed by the blood of Christ.  This is the principle of enduring to the end, and keeping the faith talked about in some closing comments of President Monson during the october 2010 conference.

Week 1 (Acts 16-20; 1 Cor 1-3; 1Thes; 2 Thes)

Read the chapter summaries for Acts 1-8; 10-12 and the Bible Dictionary entry "Acts of the Apostles". Make a list of several themes that the book of Acts emphasizes.

Peter

1. Preparing for the second coming of Christ
2. Receiving the first covenants and ordinances of the gospel
3. Exercising priesthood power
4. Persecution of the saints and church authorities
5. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost
6. Gospel to be preached to all of God's children (gentiles)
7. Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ
8. Testifying of Christ
9. Building up of the kingdom of God

From the chapter summaries for Acts 2-5; 8-10; 12 make a list of what Peter was doing in each chapter.

Map of New Testament

Acts 2:  Peter testifies of the resurrected Christ, how to gain salvation, and the Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:  Peter heals the lame, preaches repentance, and speaks of the Second Coming.

Acts 4: Peter is arrested and testifies of salvation through Christ to a council.

Acts 5: Peter is arrested and then delivered from prison by an angle.  He testifies of Christ.

Acts 8: Peter comes to Samaria and confers the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9: Peter heals and raises people from the death.

Acts 10: Peter is commanded to take the gospel to the gentiles.

Acts 12: Peter is freed from prison by an angel. 

Introduction Week (Acts 1-15)

The Martyrdom of Stephen

1. Review Acts 6:6-8 and Acts 7:51-60.  Then respond to the following items:

Stephen

• Write a summary of Stephen's last words and what impressed you about them.

I find it interesting in these verses that Stephen never denied the faith in the midst of this great persecution.  He dyed as a martyr for what he knew to be true.  I think that if each follower of christ had the faith of Stephen we could really progress the work of the Lord.  We would do good works to our brothers and sisters, act of the promptings of the Spirit, and stand for what is right and true.  

• What do we learn about the Godhead from these verses?

From chapter seven in Acts we learn a lot about the Godhead that has been lost, distorted, or changed.  Steven says in plain words, "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of of man standing on the right hand of God."  It's so straightforward that a person wouldn't think there could be any confusion over what the Godhead is like.  There are three distinct beings, God the Father, His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.  

2. Compare Stephen's death to Abinadi's in Mosiah 17:7-20.  List how they were similar.  What impact do their final testimonies have upon you?

Mosiah

Similarities

• Testified of the wickedness of the people
• Both innocent of a crime against the commandments
• Would not deny the commandments of God
• Sealed their testimony with their blood

Differences

• Abinadi testified of the kind of deaths his prosecutors would face
• Stephen asked the Lord to forgive his prosecutors

When I read the final testimonies of these great prophets it causes me to evaluate my testimony and devotion to God.  If I were in their shoes it would be very difficult to stand before a group of people and testify of God knowing that they might want to kill me.  Then to actually see them organize plans to take my life might make me reevaluate my beliefs.  I know though that if I continue to keep the commandants and covenants with Heavenly Father he will strength my faith and testimony.  Trails will come but if I trust in Him he will help me through them even if I means my life on earth comes to an end.