Choice 2: 2 Peter 2. Teaching

1.            Read 2 Peter 2:1–19. Record the characteristics of false teachers described by Peter. Explain in writing how your list helps you recognize false teachers today. 

·         They bring in damnable heresies

·         Denying the Lord,

·         Making evil things seem righteous.

·         Covetousness

·         feigned words 

·         make merchandise of you

·         speak evil of the things that they understand not

·         receive the reward of unrighteousness

·         full of adultery

·         beguiling unstable soul

·         cursed children

·         forsaken the right way

·         speak great swelling words of vanity,

·         allure through the lusts of the flesh

·         servants of corruption

2.            Read 2 Peter 2:20–22; Doctrine and Covenants 82:3, 7. In your own words, write a few sentences describing the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world.”

 The greater sin we will have because we have known the way of righteousness. Since the first time we repented, we have received a greater light, which obligates us to be more strict to the commandments. 

Choice 4: 1 Peter 1–4. The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious than Gold

Read 1 Peter 1:1–9; 2:12, 15, 20–25; 3:11–16; 4:12–19. Write two to three paragraphs using the principles of these verses to explain to someone who says, “Life isn’t fair. Why do I have to have so many trials? I’m tired of being ridiculed by those who do not keep the commandments.”

Life is fair! God rewards the righteous and punishes the wickedness. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. Trials are for us to grow, help us to learn from the mistakes, become more like Jesus. The trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, it honors and glories at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Although, we would be ridiculed by others, being of good behavior among the Gentiles; so they may see our good works and give glory to God when he comes to be their judge.

He said to us, “who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”if we are in good works and suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. We should not be sad at the judgments from others, but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Choice Three: Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. Read Hebrews 13 and find statements about the following questions:

• How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?

We should treat strangers and those in bonds with love, like treating the angles of heaven, also stand at their suffer and understand what they are going through, willing to mourn with those that mourn.

• How is marriage looked upon?

Marriage looked up respect, “WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God” (family proclamation)

• What warnings are given about covetousness?

We shouldn’t let covetousness come into our minds, be content with such things as we have.

• What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”?

It means Jesus Christ is unchangeable

• How are we sanctified?

Do not yield to Satan’s Temptations, we need to focus more on our spirituality but not on our physical needs.

• How do we respond to those who rule over us?

Give ear to those who are rulers over you, and do as they say: for they keep watch over your souls, ready to give an account of them; let them be able to do this with joy and not with grief, because that would be of no profit to you.

• Who did Paul ask the people to pray for?

For the strangers, people those in bonds, who are in covetousness, who rule over us and for Paul.

Choice 6: Hebrews 3-4. Entering into the Lord's Rest

Read Hebrews 3:8–4:16 and the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 3:11, “What Does It Mean to Enter into the ‘Rest’ of the Lord?” (p. 383). Write answers to the following questions:

·         What group of people was refused entrance into the Lord’s rest?

People hardened their hearts, tempted him, always err in their heart and who haven’t known his way.

·         What sins caused them to forfeit this privilege?

 Don’t have faith in him

·         How does Doctrine and Covenants 84:23–24 help define what is the Lord’s rest?

which rest is the fulness of his glory

·         What sins did Paul repeatedly warn against so as not to incur the same punishment?

Harden not your hearts

·         How do you think the warnings in Hebrews 3:12–15 apply to us?

      These scriptures are telling us to keep on his path, don’t let the sins bother our way to God, but to strengthen our testimony, substance of the faith, and listen to his voice.

·         List the counsel found in Hebrews 4 that will help a person enter into the rest of the Lord.

Accept and follow the gospel

Harden not your hearts

Keep the Sabbath holly

 Repentance

·         How do Matthew 7:21–23; John 7:17; James 1:22 help in understanding how the word needs to be “mixed with faith”? (Hebrews 4:2–3).

We are not only knowing his will, but be doers of the word, and not only hearers of it, blinding yourselves with false ideas. And we will have knowledge of the teaching and of where it comes from--from God or from myself.

Choice 1: Philippians 1–4. Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life’s Challenges

For each of the following common challenges, write the counsel from Philippians that you would use to resolve it:

·        People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

We should let the joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in harmony and of one mind; Be humble; let Christ stay in our hearts; worship God and do all things without protests and arguments;

·        Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

We can stronger our testimony by listening to others, but we must have our own testimony to stand straight in the church, to light the world. Moreover, testimony is really personal, we all have different and it helps us to grow and gain the faith in Christ.

·        An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).

Christ will strengthen us when we act righteously. When we have faith in Christ, and pray with your sincere heart. He will answer! I saw many examples that God does answer, and soften the parents’ heart.

·        How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3?

Using the words of Christ-scripture can help us to solve the daily problems that mentioned above. Also, it can guide us to the righteous and become more like Jesus. 

Choice 1: Romans 12-16. Live as Saints Should Live

1.        Review Romans 13:11 and look for what is “nearer.” Read Ezekiel 3:20; Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; and explain in writing what we must continue doing to work out our salvation.

We must continue keep the commandments and endure to the end (Doctrine and Covenants 14:7) to work out our salvation.

2.    In Romans 12-13 Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. Read each of the following verses and list what Paul taught would help lead to salvation:

o       Romans 12:1 present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God

o       Romans 12:2 Don’t conformed to this word, but have knowledge of the good and pleasing and complete purpose of God.

o       Romans 12:9 love without deceit, Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

o       Romans 12:13 Be generous, giving to the needs of the saints

o       Romans 12:16 Be humble, be unify

o       Romans 12:21 Do not let evil overcome you, but overcome evil by good.

o       Romans 13:1 All the power are ordained of God

o       Romans 13:3 Do good works and not to be afraid of the power

o       Romans 13:8 Don’t own other’s anything; Love one another

o       Romans 13:9 Follow the ten commandments.

3.    Review Romans 14:1-13; 15:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

o       What cautions did Paul give about judging? We should not judge one another, because this is not our duties but God’s right to do that.

o       People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? Remember that we should love and serve one other, because we are not perfect, and we don’t have the power to judge others

o       What additional insight comes from reading Doctrine and Covenants 38:25-27? We are the children of God, we should respect to others, and treat other as how you want to be treated.

4.    Review Romans 15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15. Write the term Paul frequently used to refer to members of the Church in his day. Saints

Choice 3: Romans 6. Baptism

Choice 3: Romans 6. Baptism

1.    Review Romans 6:1–13 and answer the following questions in writing: 

o       What must be done with sin before baptism can occur?

Admit our sin, repent, refuse to be the instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, Commit not to sin again, willing to keep the commandments of God.

o       What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism?

The death and resurrection of Christ, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death” “Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

o       Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling?

From the bible dictionary, from a Greek word meaning to “dip” or “immerse.” Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the introductory ordinance of the gospel and is necessary to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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

 After we come out of the waters of baptism, our souls need to be continuously immersed in and saturated with the truth and the light of the Savior’s gospel. By waking in a newness of life, keep away to the sins, do not let sin be ruling in our body, fidelity to covenants, constancy of commitment, and offering our whole soul unto God are required if we are to receive the blessings of eternity.

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

The natural man would ideally die at baptism, and we can become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things, which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

2.    Study Romans 6:14–23. Write a paragraph that describes how we know whose servant we are. Then write a statement identifying the true source of freedom.

We begin the process of being born again through exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one having priesthood authority.

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). And being made free from sin you have been made the servants of righteousness. Our purpose in this mortal life is to seek after the eternal life with our family and live with our heavenly father. Being free from sin, and having been made servants to God, you have your fruit in that which is holy, and the end is eternal life.

Forgiveness

Choice 2: 2 Corinthians 2:1–11. Forgiveness
      What were the people of Corinth commanded to do “if any have caused grief”?
The people were commanded to forgive the man who caused grief, and comfort from you, for fear that his sorrow may be over-great. Also, make your love to him clear by your acts.
      What blessings do we see if we forgive?
Heavenly father forgives our sins when we are willing to forgive others.(2 Corinthians 2:10)
      What is the danger in failing to forgive?
 If you do not let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will not have forgiveness from your Father for your sins. (Matthew 6:15)
For he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. (D&C 64:9)

New Testament 5/18/2013

choice #5

Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–14. Describe in writing various ways in which Jesus Christ is like a

“Rock” (see Topical Guide, “Rock,” 438). Consider the many sins Paul listed and the many

sins in the world today and explain why the promise of verse 13 is so reassuring. Why did Paul discuss Christ as a “Rock” in the same verses where he issued this promise in verse 13? How does Alma 13:28 expand our understanding of what Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 10:13?

In 1 Corinthians 10:1–12 verses, Paul has listed many sins in the world today, he said our hearts might not go after evil things, as they did, Then do not go after false gods, as some of them did; as it is said in the holy Writings, After resting and feasting, the people got up to take their pleasure. Again, let us not give way to the desires of the flesh, as some of them did, of whom twenty-three thousand came to their end in one day. And let us not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did, and came to their death by snakes.

Paul has told the people to give up their sins, because we all have the abilities to follow the God. All the challenges that He has given us, are helping us to learn and grow by choosing the right.

 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God :is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Jesus Christ is like a rock, because if He is what our faith and testimonies are based on, our faith and testimony will stand firm against our trials (Built on the Rock by Adam Olson). In Alma 13: 28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering.

Moreover, It’s like the Primary song (see “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man,” Children’s Songbook, 281). If you build your faith upon Jesus Christ, then your testimony will be strong. It won’t be washed away. The hardships in your life are like rain; they all build up into floods that will wash away anything built on sand. But the rock—Christ and His gospel—will always be there.

Choice 3: 1 Thessalonians 3–5; 2 Thessalonians 3:1–6, 11. Counsel for Members

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.

·         Love one another

·         Abstain from fornication

·         Keep his body holy and in honour

·         Not in the passion of evil desires

·         Walk honestly

·         Be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation

·         We should live together with him.

·         Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

·         And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves

·         Warn them that are unruly

·         Comfort the feebleminded

·         Support the weak

·         Be patient toward all men

·         See that none render evil for evil unto any man

·         Follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men

·         Rejoice evermore

·         Pray all the time

·         In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

·         Do not put out the light of the Spirit

·         Despise not prophesying

·         Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

      Keep from every form of evil.

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

·         Be patient toward all men, when I was in patient, I should remember patience is a virtue, we are all children of God. It may sounds basic, but too often we forget about these truth, and easily we would let Satan in and hear what he say(those negative feelings), if we can recall these truth in those very moments, we would understand that impatience is not from God, and then the mind has to be clear, seek for virtuous principles, beautiful things in life, Godliness, and I believe by following this path,  I can overcome this weakness.

·         Pray all the time, my plan for that is to pray at least twice a day, it helps to improve our relationship with god, invite the spirit come into our life. A long term goal is to really pray often, and in order to achieve this, pray at least twice a day would help us to practice recognizing those things that are worth to pray about, and soon we will be used to this way of thinking, and we will pray all the time.

·         Rejoice, one of the thing that I can improve in this, is appreciate what I am having, or the blessings that I had during the prayer. Sometimes, I do not just feel thankful for the blessings, but even for adversities, and trials.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Divorce

Marriage is something that everyone will face during his or her upcoming lives, but divorce should not be a case due to a cause of dishonesty, or even a constant fighting mishap. In my opinion divorce should have never even came about in this society today. It should either be a done / done situation or a never happening issue. To this question, and me there is no wrong or right answer. Just a given opinion on what you think. I both agree and disagree with the meaning of divorce. I concur with divorce because people always make mistakes within their lives, and he or she will at some point move on to an agreement of divorcing. I as well, oppose this issue, because those who are couples should know what marriage is, and not abuse the love they have between one another. They should respect what marriage is, and make sure it is what they want before jumping into something they won’t want in the future. Before I read the book, I just thought divorce is a bad act and would cause eternal sadness for the couples, but actually, after the recover, people can still live happy and have another family. I found some cons reason of divorce and I thought it is really funny: Thanksgiving dinners with your family where you are the only one without a spouse or date. Valentine's Day with a different date other than New Year's eve date or none at all. You are too old to be in the singles classes and too single to be in the married classes at church.Before I took this class, I have no idea Hong Kong's culture is way different than The United States.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Same-Sex Marriage?

In class, we have been discussed about same sex marriage. Moreover, I think this is a good topic to talk about, so I did some research on it, there are so many debates on internet, that mention different pro and cons with it. For example pro on same sex marriage, it is no one else's business if two men or two women want to get married. Two people of the same sex who love each other should be allowed to publicly celebrate their commitment and receive the same benefits of marriage, as opposite sex couples, there is no such thing as traditional marriage. Given the prevalence of modern and ancient examples of family arrangements based on polygamy, communal child-rearing, the use of concubines and mistresses and the commonality of prostitution, heterosexual monogamy can be considered "unnatural” in evolutionary terms. On the other hands, the con on same sex marriage, the institution of marriage has traditionally been defined as between a man and a woman. In the Oct. 15, 1971 decision Baker v. Nelson, the Supreme Court of Minnesota found that "The institution of marriage as a union of man and woman, uniquely involving the procreation and rearing of children within a family, is as old as the book of Genesis.”

Saturday, March 23, 2013

 The purpose of parenting- Protect and prepare our children to survive and fly in the world, they are going to live in this world.

Parent is…

·Transmit values

·Practice, develop

·Godly qualities

·Learning

·Teach about God

·Become refined

·Provide protections

 “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners.” (Family Proclamation)