Gifts of the Spirit

Choice 7: Corinthians 12-14

• What is taught about members in 1 Cor. 12:13-22 and D&C 84:109-10 that could help those who feel insignificant in their callings?
       
       So often, we feel like we are not important and that there is no need for what we do. However, in all these scriptures the Lord is teaching us an important lesson by using a metaphor. Parts of the body each play an important part in the function of the body, for example "If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?" The obvious answer to this is no. We all have roles that the Lord has asked us to participate in, and it is because we are best suited for that role. Maybe there is someone we will cross paths with that will help us, or we them. Maybe it will help us develop ourselves into better people. Whatever the reason, there IS a reason, and we should strive to do better in our part.
  
• Of all the spiritual gifts spoken of by Paul, which spiritual gift did he identify as "more excellent"?
  
        The Gift of the Holy Ghost.
  
• Read 1 Cor. 13-1-8,13, list phrases from the scriptures under the appropriate headings.
          Charity Is                                                   Charity is not
       Suffereth long                                                    Envious
              Kind                                                             Vaunt
     Rejoiceth in truth                                                Puffed up
     Beareth all things                                            Seeketh her own  
     Believeth all things                                       Behave unbecomingly
     Hopeth all things                                              Easily provoked
     Endurath all things                                              Thinketh evil
     Never faileth
  
• Identify an attribute of charity that you feel a need to develop more fully. Develop a plan to increase in this area. What part of Moroni 7:45-48 could be included in your plan?
  
           I definitely feel like I could do much better with having Hope. So often I tend to get discouraged and it affects how I handle the people around me and how I carry myself. I think the best way to have more hope is to make sure that every time I have a negative thought, I should replace it with a positive one. I should make sure to listen to uplifting music, to remember my blessings, and to be Christlike in all my doings. After all, in Moroni 7: 47 says that charity is the pure love of Christ. If I have even a small measure of love for my fellowman, then I can have more charity, and that includes more hope.
  
• Summarize what is taught about speaking in tongues in 1 Cor. 14 and the institute student manual commentary. 

                   The Gift of Tongues is meant for the benefit to preach to nonbelievers and the gift of tongues in useful in it's own way but should not be used without someone there who can understand the user. We must be careful as well because the Devil can abuse the gift of tongues and people can lie about having the gift so it is best that it is only done when there is someone there who can understand or interpret the language. 




My favorite scripture this week

1 Cor. 14:10
"There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices
in the world, and none of them is without signification."

Personal Journal- Week 2

        I really enjoyed the reading this week. It really rang true to me and helped me understand what was going on around me. A lot of the reading was revelation and warnings from the prophets. The scriptures practically have a list of what we should be doing in our lives to enrich ourselves and others as well as how to avoid falling away from the gospel. I definitely noticed things that people I know personally stopped doing in their life and now I know the source of the reasons why they left the gospel. To me it was very eye-opening and personally very sad for me. However, it was a good experience for me to have because now I know how to avoid these experiences and how to be happier. 

       Someone in my class also related the scriptures to self-help books. I really like her thoughts because she mentioned that in this world so many people are trying to find happiness. They buy self-help books, they search online for ways to be happier and they constantly are trying new things or changing themselves to be happier. Some even compromise their standards to make themselves happier. However, my classmate mentioned that the scriptures ARE self-help books. They clearly tell us what we need to do to find happiness, and I can honestly say from personal experience that she is right. Granted I still have my issues and I struggle from time to time and I' m definitely not perfect but I can honestly say that the happiest moments of my life were when I was living the gospel to my fullest extent. I want to emphasis "MY fullest extent" because no one is the same in their life and we should expect to be like others. 

       Another thing that someone mentioned this week was that Saul became Paul not because an angel came to him, but because he started helping people. Instead of finding the negative, he started to find the positive. He realized the truth and he changed and started to care for the saints and he obviously had a good heart. I realized from her comments that it is important that we help others and do kind deeds to those around us. Good works are so so so important. It also made me realize that no matter WHO someone is they can still have a good heart.
        

       

       

        

Counsel for Members

Choice 3: Thessalonians 3-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6, 11.

1. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 4:1-12; 5:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-6,11
Then compile a list of attributes Paul counseled members to improve on.

• Love one another (this means ALL men you encounter, not just the people you are friends with)
• abstain from fornication and lust
• don't take advantage of people in any way
• study and learn; educate yourself
• work hard and learn to work
• watch for the coming of the Lord. Be vigilant.
• have faith and love and the hope of salvation
• abstain from wrath towards others
• comfort and help each other
• Know the people around you and be good leaders
• "warn them that are unruly"
• "comfort the feebleminded"
• "support the weak"
• "be patient toward all men"
• Don't condone the actions of evil between anyone.
• Rejoice
• "pray without ceasing"
• Be thankful
• Don't ignore/suppress/extinguish the spirit
• Don't despise the prophesying or revelation of the Prophet and his Apostles
• "Abstain from all appearance of evil"
• Pray for each other, and for the strength and for protection from evil
• Don't participate in activities that are against the Lord's commandments

2.Select three attributes from your list and write plans on how you want to improve in each area 

1."abstain from wrath towards others" -I want to improve this area in my life because oftentimes I find that I get annoyed/worked up over the littlest things. Whether I'm driving in my car and someone does something that bugs me, or I see a post on Facebook that annoys me. I seem to allow myself to get worked up over things that I just shouldn't take the time to get worked up over. This has always been a problem in my life where I let people anger me. I want to be better at letting things go that can and should be let go. I don't need to get so worked up.

2."warn them that are unruly" - I tend to avoid confrontation with people about things I disagree with. If someone in participating in an activity that I think is inappropriate I never say anything and sometimes I joke about it with them so as not to look stuck up or to avoid a "holier than thou" attitude. This is usually in situations that I am in directly. I want people to know where I stand and I don't want there to be any confusion as to what I believe or think is appropriate. I'm tired of people talking to me like I think or should think its okay. I'm not talking about hunting people down and telling them they are misbehaving, because men have their agency and who am I to hunt them down and tell them to change. I'm simply talking about situations I happen to be in. I don't want to condone actions that I don't actually agree with simply because I don't want to offend anyone.

3."pray without ceasing" - This one is one that I use to be extremely good at, but the past couple of years I have not been as good about. I love the Lord and I love talking to him, and I noticed that once I didn't keep up that habit of constant conversation, things were a little harder to deal with and I felt lonelier. I felt like I wasn't getting answers to things in my life. However, when I was praying constantly and actually putting thought into my prayers I could constantly feel answers to my thoughts and concerns. It was that time in my life that I made some very good decisions that helped me get where I am today. I want to have that again and be better at praying to my Heavenly Father. 

Personal Journal- Week 1

We are suppose to keep a personal journal for our class. It is suppose to remain between the teacher and us, but I feel that I would like to post mine to this blog for others to read. I am not a perfect person, and everyday I am striving to make better decisions in my life, and understand the scriptures more and more each day. Here is mine for week 1. 

January 18, 2013 – Friday

            One thing that finally hit me this week as I've been reading is the word “disciples”. I have known forever that disciples means follower, or learner, of Christ. However, for some reason whenever I read the New Testament, I always associated the world “disciples” with the apostles. This week It finally hit me that when they mentioned disciples, they meant anyone who was following Christ at the time. I feel a little silly for not recognizing it earlier. The only reason it hit me now was because I was getting confused as to which disciples they were talking about all the time.

            Something that I simple love about this half of the New Testament that I've been noticing in my reading is how similar the church back then is the church’s organization now. I also feel that maybe they were even a little better.  In Last week’s reading I noticed in Acts 2:45 what seems to be the saints practicing the Law of Consecration. So not only were they living a righteous lifestyle and teaching the gospel despite so much persecution they were also practicing something that we have not perfected yet in our time now. I thought that was really fantastic. Another example of similarities was in Acts chapter 15 is the revelation concerning circumcision. The order in which it was done was extremely similar to the way we receive revelation now. Something I also found interesting was that in the bible dictionaries definition of circumcision that the issue wasn't just circumcision itself, but mostly the concern was whether the gentiles were required to live the Law of Moses altogether.

 I have felt that these past two weeks I have read and seen new things in the New Testament that I have never noticed before, and it opens up a new understanding of the gospel to me. I love seeing the similarities between the church now and the church back then.

Paul's Second Mission

Choice 2: Acts 16; 18. 

1.    Trace Paul’s second missionary journey from Bible Map 13. List the names of four cities he visited, to whom he later wrote epistles.

                                     

                                             Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus   

 a. Read Acts 16:6–10; 18:9–11. Write a paragraph explaining the different ways the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions during their journey. 

            The most obvious way the Holy Ghost directed Paul and his companions was through visions, once in 16:9 and against in 18:9. The other time Paul is directed by the Holy Ghost is in 16:6 -7 however it is not mentioned how or in what way the spirit inspired him, only that he was told not to go into certain cities by it.  

       b. Write a second paragraph describing how the Spirit has directed your missionary efforts, and one way you could be more directed by the Spirit in your life.

             Unlike Paul, I have never had a vision, and I don't suppose I ever will. I am still learning in my own way how to listen to the Holy Ghost, and in the past I have had experiences where I understood and recognized the impressions being given to me. I have not yet recognized the Spirit in regards to missionary efforts, but I feel that he would speak to me in the same manner, that is with impressions and feelings that I get while making decisions. I have also heard it said that any impression we receive that calls for righteous action is usually from the spirit we should always strive to follow up with them. At the time that I best heard and understood the prompting of the Holy Ghost, I was reading my scriptures avidly, and my prayers were beautiful conversations I had with God. I have not been as diligent in recent years and I feel that I could do better in those areas. 

2.    Review Acts 16:9–33. Make a list of the reasons Paul was able to preach the gospel so effectively. Then in writing answer the following questions:

o       In what ways did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?
      One example would be when Paul gets put into jail (Acts 16:24-33). Instead of cursing God and being bitter and miserable, him and Silas prayed, sang songs and praised God. This was heard by others soldiers (which I feel caused an impression) and then when he is freed instead of running the heck out of there, he stays and teaches the jailer, who later becomes baptized. 

o       What can you learn from Paul’s missionary experiences?

                That despite our circumstances, we can find missionary experiences anywhere we go. Where we might think there is no hope, there could be one person who is searching for the truth. 

​o       How is the jailer an example of a true convert?

                  The jailer instantly wants to know what he can do to be saved. Seemingly with the intent that he will do whatever they tell him. 

o       How does Mosiah 4:9–10 expand your understanding of Acts 17:30–31?

                  To me, it shows me that when we are righteous, we will do good, and also to trust in God, because he knows more than we do. 

o       What can you do now to better prepare yourself to share the gospel, whether as a full-time missionary or as a member? 

           I can always be better at reading my scriptures and praying with more intent. However, I also feel that It is important to listen to how you feel, and to never back down from doing good to those around you. I think it is important to know the articles of faith and to be living righteously so that you can always have the Holy Ghost with you. 

My Favorite Scripture

Acts 16:25

"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, 

and sang praises unto God:

and the prisoners heard them."

Principle: Music can have a powerful influence and can be a great way to invite the spirit into your home or into your presence despite your circumstances.

              To me, there are very few instances in the New Testament, and possibly the Old Testament, where music and singing is mentioned. Even less is when it is mentioned in a sacred context, where the music was used as a tool of righteousness. To me, those moments are not only rare, but they are precious. in this small scripture, Paul and Silas use music to do many things. These things include; a way of comfort, a way to teach a glimpse of the gospel to those who were listening, and a way to invite the spirit into their presence despite their circumstances (being in jail). Music can move people in ways that words sometimes cannot, and I believe music is a heavenly gift we are given that sometimes gets misused and abused. However, in this context we see the sacred usage of music and the influences it can have, in such a simple verse. 

The Vision of Peter

  I started this blog for a religion class I am currently taking. We are studying the second half of the New Testament (Acts-Revelation). This week we studied Acts 1-8, 10-12. In writing this blog, I don’t claim to be an expert on any one topic. I will try to make it clear when I am voicing my own opinions and thoughts, versus actual revelation given from the Prophets or in the scriptures. I would love to hear others thoughts and gain insight from their impressions so feel free to discuss your ideas as well. Thanks for reading!

We were asked in class to choose a topic to discuss, I chose to focus on Chapter 10 and 11 and the revelation given. 

Choice 5: Acts 10. The Vision of Peter
1.    Read Acts 10:1–17; 11:1–18.

·      Who appeared to Cornelius and what was his message?

            An angel appeared and told Cornelius that God has heard his prayers, and he told him to send men to Joppa to find Peter the Apostle who would then give Cornelius further instruction.

·      What was Peter’s reaction to the Lord’s command during his vision upon the housetop?

    He refused, saying “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.

·      Why did Peter react the way he did?

 My own thinking is that Peter wanted to follow the commandments previously given by the Lord and so he refused the offer. In his mind it was the right thing to do, and rightfully so as that was the commandment up until this new revelation given from God.
 

·      Read Joseph Smith—History 1:30, 44, 46 and discuss why you think the Lord repeated the vision three times for Peter.

          I have heard it said that when something is repeated 3 times in the bible it is for power and emphasis, and even a sacred usage. We already know in the first half of the New Testament that Peter was asked 3 times if he loved Jesus and if so to “feed my sheep”. The Rooster also crowed 3 times when Peter denied Christ. Many instances in the scriptures come with a repetition of threes. With these thoughts in mind I believe that not only did God do it for emphasis, as to make sure the receiver (in this case, Peter) knew the revelation being given to him but also to stress the importance of the revelation.

2.    Read Acts 10:18–36, 44 and answer the following questions:
 

·      When Peter clearly understood the meaning of the vision, what did he declare?
         Peter declared that God is “No respecter of persons” and that anyone that “feareth” (or respects and loves) God and “worketh righteousness is accepted with him”. God doesn't care about the things that people on earth care about. He loves everyone regardless of their social status, how much money they make, what kind of lifestyle they live, their race, etc. 

·      How did the Holy Ghost assist the Jewish Saints in understanding that the blessings of the gospel were to be available to all people at that time?

The Holy Ghost fell upon the Gentiles and the Jewish Saints “heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.” (Acts 10:45-46)

​ 

 My Thoughts

 On the Vision of Peter:

This revelation given to Peter, to me, is one of the most important revelations given. It shows that there is no one who is above another. No one is loved more by God than another. God loves everyone, and he proves this by giving the revelation to Peter that the gospel should be given to all men. It also shows to me that you never know who will accept the Gospel.

 On the entire reading:

I got a lot out of the reading but the greatest message I received was the message that we should never judge a person’s heart by their outward appearance or lifestyle and also that we shouldn't be afraid to share our testimony to those around us. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts or share the gospel just because someone doesn't look like they will accept it. In Acts Chapter 8 we learn of a man name Simon who

“...used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria,

 giving out that himself was some great one.”
Acts 8:9

However, when the apostle Philip comes into town teaching the Gospel, Simon himself believed in his teachings, the scripture that talks about it is one of my favorites is says

“Then Simon himself believe also: and when he was

 baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,

beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”
Acts 8:13

If I were to be honest with myself, if I had seen Simon and met him, I don’t think I would want to share the Gospel with him, I believe I would think he would want nothing to do with it. However, I would have been proven very wrong. Throughout the reading this week, this was the message that I got most of all. That God loves everyone, and that no matter the kind of person they might seem to be it is important to share the gospel, and teach and live the teachings of Christ.
You never know who will listen, or who will make a difference in the lives of others.