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.