The Precious Oil

The story in Mark 14:3-9 is the story of the woman who anointed the Lord with precious oil.  She is showing us that we should give our precious things to the Lord. 

After the woman anointed the Lords head with oil people began to murmur against her but the Lord praised her. She was preparing his body for burial because she knew the time was at hand that the Lord would be leaving them. The disciples thought that it could have been better used to feed the poor and that that would be a greater cause. 

The woman was a great example because she knew what was coming and was being prepared. She loved the Lord and new he deserved the best, therefore she gave him the precious oil to anoint his body. In Matthew 25:40 it say that if you do a deed unto the least of the people it is like you have done it unto the Lord.  I think that as long as we serve our fellow men then we are giving the Lord something valuable.  We need to also teach the gospel to all those that will listen. Bringing someone to the truths that we know it such a great tribute to God. 

Choice 3: Mark 14:3–9; Matthew 26:6–13. The Savior Anointed

1.     Review Mark 14:3–9 and Matthew 26:6–13. Then write answers to the following questions:

·         What reason is given for why the woman anointed the Savior with “very precious” (costly) ointment? What does Mark 14:8 imply that she understood? (see also Mark 9:31–32).

·         Why did some of the disciples feel indignant and call her action a “waste”?

2.     The Savior said that the woman had “wrought a good work” and that wherever the gospel would be preached, the woman’s deed would “be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:6, 9). What did the woman do that made it an act worthy of the Savior’s praise and our remembrance? How is the woman an example to you? Write a paragraph describing some ways that you could give the Lord something valuable. (see Matthew 25:40).

Preparing for the Second Coming

Review Mark 13: 5, 9, 23, 33, 35, 37 and identify the words take heed and watch in each verse. List at least three things from this chapter that believers could watch for in order to be prepared to meet the Lord.

In verse 5 it says that we need to be aware of those who are trying to “deceive” us and take us away from the gospel.  We shouldn't allow others to sway us, we need to keep our testimonies strong.  Next, in verse 33 the Lord warns us to watch for his coming.  We need to be aware of the signs of his coming and prepare continuously for that time.  Finally,  in verse 35 Jesus again tells us to watch for his coming because we don’t know exactly when it will be.  We only know that the time swiftly cometh and the best we can do is to ready ourselves.

Explain in writing any other additional truths that are taught in the following references about how to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

o   D&C 87:8

o   JS-Matthew 1:32

o   JS-Matthew 1:37

o   JS-Matthew 1:46-50

o   D&C 33:17

o   D&C 45:56-57

In D&C 87 it tells us to be strong in the gospel and not to be led astray.  When we are strong in our beliefs it is easy to refuse others.  In D&C 33 we are told to pray always, and be faithful in order to be prepared for the Second Coming.  In D&C 45 it talks again about how we should not be deceived and to have great faith. In JS-Matthew 1: 32 and 37 the Lord tells us that if we study the scriptures we cannot be led astray. Finally in verses 46-50 he reminds us again to watch, be faithful, and to serve him and we will be prepared for the time that will come.  When we are watching for the Lord we are preparing for the Lord.  

The Widow's Mite

First off, I want to say how much I love this story in the New testament. It is a great reminder of how I want to be! I want to be able to sacrifice everything I have to draw closer to my Heavenly Father.

In Mark 12:28-30 the Lord gives the greatest commandment, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength."  The Widow was willing to give everything thing she had to the Lord and that showed him the love she had for the Lord. 

What was so great about the widow is that she didn't give much but she did give everything she had. She didn't have anymore money.  Who can say that they can give all of their money to the Lord? I know I can't.  She showed such great faith. In 2 Nephi 25:23 the last line says, "for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do."  The Widow had faith in the Lord and believed that he would help her after she sacrificed everything she had.  There are plenty of ways that we can be like the Widow without giving all of our money to tithing.  We can sacrifice our time and serve others, attend them temple and do scripture study.  We can also use our talents.  The Lord gave them to us for a reason.  We should use them as often as possible and show the Lord that we really do appreciate all that we have.



Review Mark 12:41-44 and the institute student manual commentary for Mark 12:41-44, “What was the Significance of the Widow’s gift?” (pg 149). Write an explanation of how the widow lived what the Savior taught in Mark 12:28-30.

Even though the widow gave less money that wealthier people gave, according to Mark 12:44, how much of what she had did she give? Write a paragraph describing what this reaches about what constitutes an acceptable offering to the Lord. How does 2 Nephi 25:23 apply to what the widow did?

Write two or three sentences describing a way, aside from the donation of money, that you could better follow the widow’s example of sacrifice and obedience. 

"The Lord Appointed Other Seventy Also"

1. Review Luke 10:1-24. Base on these verses, write a summary of the Lord's counsel and instructions He gave the seventy.
2. Articles of Faith 1:6 states, "We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church." Using the principles taught from Luke 10: 1-2, 8-9, 17-20, write a paragraph that supports this Article of Faith.
3. Go to the Church's scripture website and read the topic of the "seventy" in the Guide to the Scriptures. Describe in one or two sentences how the scriptures show the existence of this office in the priesthood.

When the Lord appointed the 70 His goal was to strengthen his church and continue to spread the gospel. The 70 were to teach the people and rely on them for food and shelter.  They were to bring the gospel to the people. They were to heal those who had faith and help those that needed it.

As in the days of Christ we have the Quorum of the Seventy and they each has a certain area to administer to.  They have a stewardship over these people as did the Seventy in the days of Christ.  They were to heal and bless those in need and the seventy do that now as well. Then and now men with the priesthood have authority over Satan.

The scriptures show us how the Seventy serve us. They give their time and talents to helpthe gospel grow.

Becoming as little children

1. Review Matthew 18: 3-4 and Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-18.  Explain in writing the ways we are like little children.  In these verses, how does the Lord say He will help us?
2. Read Mosiah 3:19 and list the ways in which we are to become as little children.


When we are humble we are more like little children.  The Lord says he will lead us if we are willing to become like little children.  To become as little children we need to have humility, meekness, patience, love and be submissive.  When we are able to have these qualities it brings us closer  to our Heavenly Father and he will help us through this life with the Holy Ghost.

Walking on Water

     I am really excited for this post. This is one of my favorite stories in the New Testament and I'm glad I get to look more deeply into it.  For this assignment I'm doing choice three, Matthew 14: 22-33.  This is the story of Peter walking out to the Lord on the stormy sea.  First I just want to say what faith! Oh what it would be like to have that experience. That is trusting in the Lord.  

    

    The Lord was coming to the Apostles walking on water, it must have been terrifying at first, not knowing what was going on.  Here they are in the night with the winds raging and they see a figure walking towards them, no wonder they were frightened! When the Lord reassured them Peter said "Ok cool, Lord I'm coming out to meet you." (The Emily version of his response lol) Peter obviously trusted the Lord with his life and believed in him.  When Peter looked away from the Lord that is when things went awry.  He began to fear the world and asked the Lord to save him.  The Lord responded immediately to Peter's call with a hand and a slight rebuke.  The Lord needs us to always have faith in him and to keep our hearts and minds focused on his teachings. 

     In DC 88: 67 it reads "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."  

      Peter had his eye on the Lord as he walked on the water and had complete faith in him until so close to the end.  My classmate, Kori Andrews said something like this, when we are so close to our goal that is when Satan is coming at us the most, trying to get us to doubt ourselves. If we look away from the Lord for just a second we can sink and fail in our quest for salvation.  If we just look to the Lord in all our doings we can do no wrong.  We just have to keep God in our hearts and minds and we will succeed. 

Parables

Choice 2: Matthew 13: 24-48. The Lord Often Taught with Parables

1.    In the Bible Dictionary read the first three paragraphs under the entry “Parables” (pgs. 740-41). In your own words, write a definition of a parable.

2.    Read the following parables: parable of the tares (Matthew 13:24-30); parables of the mustard seed and the leaven (Matthew 13:47-50); parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46); parable of the gospel net (Matthew 13:47-50). Next to each of the following questions write the name of the parable that best answers that question.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

o       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?

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

3.    Write answers to the following questions:

o       Considering the parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price (see Matthew 13:44-46), what sacrifices would you be willing to make to obtain the treasure of the gospel? What sacrifices have you or those you know already made for the gospel?

o       What does the net represent in the parable of the net cast into the sea? (See Matthew 13:47). What does it mean to be gathered into the net? What is represented by the action of gathering the good into vessels and casting the bad away? (See Matthew 13:48-50).

A parable is a story that invokes deeper thought and has a special meaning to those who truly understand.

o       What describes the future growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The parable that describes the growth of the church is the story of the net. As we send out missionaries they are teaching more and more people the gospel.

o       Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

The parable that relates to this one is the parable of the tares.  The tares represent the temptations of the world and the problems we have.  The missionaries are going out to fight against the devil's temptations. 

o       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?

The mustard seed is like the church.  It started small but grew into something great and far reaching.

​o       Why are some members of the Church willing to sacrifice so much worldly wealth and recognition in order to maintain membership in the Church?

The parable that fits this is the parable of treasures and the pearl of great price.  They are willing to give up so much because they know the final rewards.

o       Why do some Church members choose to leave the Church?

                                  This is again the parable of the pearl of great price.  They are unwilling to      

                                    give up the things of the world. 

As a member of the church I am willing to give up a lot of things for this gospel.  I am working on being willing to give up everything.  I think missionaries are a prime example.  They are willing to sacrifice two years of their lives to serve others and further the gospel.  What a great sacrifice!

Finally, the net represents missionaries and the people gathered are the people who hear or except the gospel.  The separation represents the final judgment. 

The Twelve Apostles

  

Choice 3: Matthew 10; Mark 3:13-35; Luke 5:1-11. The Calling of the Twelve Apostles

1.         Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of
the original Twelve Apostles. Look up the names of three Apostles in
the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you
learned about each one you selected.

2.          Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for “Apostle” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612). Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is.

3.          Describe in writing how the Savior's teachings to His Apostles in Matthew
10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

4.          Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior’s call. How could you apply their actions and examples in your own life?

1.  There is so much that I don't know! The New Testament is something that I haven't studied thoroughly so I found a lot of stuff I didn't know. I love this class!

     The twelve apostles were, Simon who is called Peter, Andrew(brother of Peter), James, John (James brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphæus, Lebæus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas

I chose Peter because I was curious as to why they called him Peter instead of Simon.  It said in the Bible Dictionary that his Aramaic name is Cephas and that means Peter in Greek. Next, I chose Philip. I found that his name means “lover of horses,” which was interesting to me.  Another interesting thing is that he taught an Ethiopian eunuch.  The last one I chose to look up is James.  He privileged to be “at the raising of the daughter of Jairus, at the Transfiguration, and at Gethsemane.”

2.       An apostle means “one sent forth.”  They are a special witness of the Lord and testify of his ministry. An apostle receives a divine call.

3.       Matthew 10:5-42 In verse 19 the Lord tells them not to worry about what they are going to say to the people because he will give them the words they are to say.  He is teaching them to trust in the Spirit in all things and to remember that they are mouth pieces for the Lord. He prepared them to face adversity.  Not everyone was going to welcome them but they needed to continue to teach the word of the Lord.  He also tells them not to be afraid because the Lord knows them and will keep them safe. 

4.       Luke 5:1-11 Well, I learned to have faith in the Savior.  He knows what he is talking about.  What I appreciated was the humility that Simon Peter had after they pulled up all of the fish.  He knelt at the Lords feet and we should do the same.  I know that I should show humility at all times.  It is when I am prideful I know that I lose the spirit and it is then that I get myself into trouble.  

Choice 4: John 3. We Must Be Born Again

This is a great way for me to start the semester, getting to know John the Baptist more and learning about his ministry.  I feel blessed to learn more on the subject of baptism especially because I can hardly remember my own.
As I read John 3:1-8 and Mosiah 5:7 I pondered and answered the following questions.

• What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?
• You can see the kingdom of God here on Earth but you can only enter it we were are ready and have made the covenants with Him. 
• What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?
• Jesus taught Nicodemus that in order to enter the kingdom of God he must be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. 
• What does it mean to be “born of water?” 
• It means to be baptized.  When we are baptized we are reborn spiritually and are sinless.  We are able to start anew and start our covenants with the Lord.
• Read Moses 6:59 and list ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth. Read Romans 6:4 and list how baptism can be a symbol of death.
• It's a symbol of rebirth because you are reborn into the gospel.  You are able to be like a child again in that you have no sins.  Baptism is a doorway to eternal life which can be yours.
• It is a symbol of death because we are buried in the water to be "resurrected" into the gospel. 
• What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?” 
• It is when you receive the Holy Ghost.  But it is more than that.  It is becoming new like a child with a gift to push forward in righteousness with a companion that will help guide you if you are listening.     
• What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison
• Fire, because the spirit burns within your bosom. 

Review John 3:14–17, 35–36. Write a paragraph that describes who the Father loves, what He has done to show his love for his children and for Jesus Christ, what the purpose of the Savior was, and what blessings will come to those who accept the Son.

The Father loves us all and He sent his Son here for us, so that we can return to Him one day.  He wanted us to be saved by Christ, the perfect example.  When we believe in the Savior Jesus Christ we can be saved and have everlasting life.  What a great blessing! By simple acts of faith and following the commandments we are able to return to our Heavenly Father and enter the Celestial Kingdom.  I will be able to spend eternity with my family 

John the Baptist

I am actually very excited about this assignment! 
This week I'm discussing the birth of John the Baptist and why people would rejoice about his birth and mission. In order to do this I read Luke 1:1-80 and the Bible Dictionary entry on John the Baptist. 

I first want to say how amazing it is that he was prophesied of by Isaiah.  Isaiah was an amazing prophet!  In Isaiah 40:3 he says "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."  Wow! 
John was such a great man, preparing even some members of the Twelve.  Interestingly the Bible Dictionary tells us that his ministry was recognized in three dispensations, I never thought about that! 

Zacharias was spoken to by the angel Gabriel in the temple where he burn incense.  The angel said to him, " 
13. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

 14. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

 15. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither ^awine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

 16. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

 17. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of ^aElias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

John was going to pave the way for the Savior, what a big job.  His birth was the start of a new time and people now had a sense of when the Savior would come.  They had a lot to be happy about.  John the Baptist was going to make an example with Jesus Christ.  They were able to show others how you come into the gospel.  He was able to make a difference and clung to his beliefs. He is a great example of the way we should model our lives.