Acts: An Introduction and Overview

Some of the main themes in Acts are:
~The Apostles bearing witness of the church and preaching the gospel
~The Spreading of the Church
~Persecution
Throughout Acts, Peter did many things:
Acts 2-5
~Testifies of Christ and tells about the Holy Ghost
~He tells the people about repentance and heals a man
~He is arrested and testifies that "salvation comes through Christ"
~Saved from prison by an Angel
Acts 8-10
~He and John confer the Gift of Holy Ghost by the Laying on of hands
~ He heals Eneas and raises Dorcas from the dead
~In a vision, He is commanded to take the gospel to the Gentiles
Acts 12
~He is arrested by Herod and saved by an Angel

The Holy Ghost

Choice 2: John 14:15–17, 26–27; 15:26–27; 16:7–8, 13–14. The Savior’s Instructions about the Holy Ghost

1. As you study the following verses, make a list of what the Savior taught about (1) what the Holy Ghost does and (2) what disciples must do to receive the Holy Ghost:
• John 14:15–17 – the Holy Ghost comforts us, if we keep His commandments
• John 14:26–27  - The Holy Ghost teaches us, and brings us peace
• John 15:26–27 – The Holy Ghost testifies of Christ
• John 16:7–8 – The Holy Ghost will “reprove the world of sin”
• John 16:13–14 – The Holy Ghost will guide us to all truth and shall glorify the Savior
2. Add to your list above as you study the following resources:
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “The Holy Ghost Brings Man to His Fullest Potential” (p. 168) – The Holy Ghost can mature all the “fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature.”
• Institute student manual Points to Ponder, “As a Messenger of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost Teaches Faithful Members” (p. 168) – The Holy Ghost “bears witness of the truth, quickens the minds of those who have made covenant and reveals to them the mysteries of the kingdom of God.”
• Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost” (p. 704)
3. Review your list of what the Holy Ghost does. Then write responses to the following tasks:
• Describe how the Holy Ghost helped the Apostles fulfill their missions after the Savior’s death and resurrection.

The Holy Ghost was there for the Apostles, to tell them what to do, who and what to teach, and was there to comfort them.

• Write a paragraph about a time when the Holy Ghost blessed you in one of the ways you listed above. Give an example of how the Holy Ghost has inspired you.

This is a kind of silly story, but I will always remember it. When I was about eight years old, we had a rabbit that would sometimes sneak out of its cage. One time, we couldn’t find it anywhere, so my sister and I knelt down and prayed to our Heavenly Father to help us find it. I felt an impression to look by its cage again, and we found it near there. Even though it is something small, I will always remember that. 

True Leadership

Choice 4

1.      Study John 13:1-17; Luke 22:24-30; Mark 10:43-45. Write a paragraph or two about how the application of these teachings make leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ different from what the world usually describes as leadership.

Throughout history, we have seen many times where people who are in a leadership position act as though those they govern are their servants. They control them to their will, doing as they please with no thought of their people. In the Scriptures, it gives a different view on leadership. A leader is a servant for the people. He is there to make sure that his people are happy and well. He is there to protect them.

2.      Write a paragraph or two about a time when one of your Church leaders or someone in the scriptures served and led in the way Jesus Christ taught.

When I was in Young Womens, I had an amazing leader. She always had us in mind. She not only served us in church, but all the time. When we were in need, she made sure she was there. Once, I was having a lot of trouble at school, and she helped me out so much. She spent so much time working for us, doing far more than she needed to. I know that she blessed the lives of so many girls by serving for us. She is a good example of a true leader. 

The Second Coming

Choice 2: Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38; Joseph Smith – Matthew. Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming.

1.      

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.

One thing is that people need to watch for deceivers. There are people out there that will say that they are the true church or that they are Christ, when they really are not.

Another thing to watch for is to watch for the signals because no one knows when the second coming will be.

People should watch for the word of the Lord. When he says something, whether by his prophets or by the Spirit whispering to us, we need to listen.

2.     

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.

~D&C 87:8

Stand in Holy places

~JS – Matt 1:32

The abomination of desolation will be fulfilled

~JS – Matt 1:37

Treasure the word of the Lord.

~JS – Matt 1:46-50

Watch and always be ready for the Second Coming

~D&C 33:17

Be faithful, pray always,

~D&C 45:56-57

Do not be deceived, be prepared and wise.

The Savior's Last Week

Choice 1: Overview of the Last Week of the Savior’s Mortal Ministry

Read the information in the institute student manual about “The Last Days of Jesus’ Mortal Mission” (pp. 135-37). Then fill in the following chart with key events that took place during the Savior’s Final week of mortality:

Day1: Jesus comes to Jerusalem and is greeted by those who knew him as “the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” They placed palm branches at his feet and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David…”

Day2: He challenged the Jewish religious leadership and drove those who were trading and other things from the temple.

Day3: The priests challenged Christ’s authority, and Jesus offended them by telling them a few parables. He called them hypocrites. From then on, Jesus only taught the twelve. The priests plotted Jesus’ death and one of the disciples offered to betray him.

Day4: Not much is known about this day.

Day5: Jesus and his disciples commemorate the Passover in private. He introduces the sacrament. Then he prophesies of His own death and indicated who would betray him. He goes to Gethsemane with Peter, James, and John, and goes off and prays by himself. He prays to “let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” He then suffered “the pain of all men”. Judas brought a band of men to seize Jesus, who goes with them without any resistance.

Day6: The Jewish leaders find a way to charge Jesus with two crimes, blasphemy (because he called himself the Son of God) and sedition against the state (because he claimed to be the “king of the Jews”). Jesus was executed by crucifixion. Jesus’ body was removed and buried in a sealed tomb.

Day 7: Jesus’ Body stayed in the tomb, but he ministered in the realm of the departed spirits.

Day of the Resurrection: Jesus Christ came out of the tomb alive and showed himself to Mary.  

Parables!

Choice 2: Luke 16:1–12, 19–31; 17:11–19; 18:1–14. Parables and Accounts That Teach Eternal Truths

1. Study the following parables and accounts along with the accompanying commentary from the institute student manual. Describe in writing what you feel is the major principle the Lord wants us to understand from each of the parables:
• Luke 16:1–12, the parable of the unjust steward. “The Children of This World Are in Their Generation Wiser Than the Children of Light” (p. 124).

We must look forward and plan ahead.

• Luke 16:19–31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. “What Do We Learn About the Spirit World from the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus?” (pp. 124–25).

Because Christ visited the Spirit world, a person from “Abraham’s Bosom” (or Spirit paradise) can visit a person in “Hell” (or Spirit prison) to teach them the gospel.

• Luke 17:11–19, the ten lepers. “Why Were the Ten Lepers to Show Themselves to the Priests?” and “Were There Not Ten Cleansed?” (p. 130). See also the Bible Dictionary, “Leprosy” (p. 724).

The gospel was meant for every nation, not just for the Jews.

• Luke 18:1–8, the parable of the unjust judge. “Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Unjust Judge?” (p. 131).

A man should always pray, and be persistent when asking for something.

• Luke 18:9–14, the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. “Why Did the Lord Give the Parable of the Pharisee and Publican?” (p. 131).

No matter what you do, if you are not humble you shall not be rewarded. 

Disciples of Christ

 Choice 2: Luke 10:38–42; 11:1–13; 12:13–40; 13:23–24; 14:16–33. Being a Disciple of Jesus Christ

1. Read Luke 10:38–42; 11:1–13; 12:13–40; 13:23–24; 14:16–33 and the institute student manual commentary for Luke 11:5–13, “The Parable of the Friend at Midnight” (p. 115). Make a list of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and what the Savior taught about counting the costs of following Him.

One thing is that you must want to listen to and heed the words of Christ, much like Mary. A disciple must be eager to learn and to appease the Lord. He must be generous and not greedy, building up riches in heaven rather than on Earth. A disciple of Christ must be willing to give up everything he has to serve Christ.

2. Identify one of the teachings from your list that you would like to apply more fully in your life. Write a paragraph about how you could apply that teaching and what difference you believe it would make in your life.

I want to be eager to listen and heed the words of Christ. Sometimes I think I am doing well, and others, not so much. I need to really study my scriptures more so that I can really know what Christ tells us. The other thing that I really need to do is apply those words to my life. I need to develop better habits of listening to the words of Christ.

3. Read Luke 14:33; Omni 1:26; Mosiah 2:34; Matthew 13:44–46. Explain in writing what is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The thing that is ultimately required to be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to give all that you have. As it says in Matthew 13; “… the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” A person should be willing to give up everything that they have if they want to serve Christ.

Healing a Young Man

Choice 2: Matthew 17:14–21. The Savior Healed a Young Man 

1. Review Matthew 17:14–21, and list three things the Savior said were needed for the disciples to heal the man.

Some of the things that the disciples needed to heal the man were, faith (Matt 17:20), prayer, and fasting (Matt 17:21).

2. Read each of the following references. Next to the reference, write what it teaches about what is needed for miracles to happen.
• 3 Nephi 18:20

We must believe that we “shall receive”

• Doctrine and Covenants 50:29

We must be “purified and cleansed from all sin”

• Doctrine and Covenants 42:48

We must have “faith in [Christ] to be healed” and “not appointed unto death”

Walking on the Sea

  Matthew 14:22–33. Walking on the Sea

1.   Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

They thought that he was some sort of spirit, and they were afraid.

2.   What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

He was very eager to be like Christ, and he had much faith in Christ.

3.   According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

His faith was wavering.

4.   What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

He cried out for Christ’s help. It says that Christ “immediately” stretched forth his hand.

5.    Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

                The principle in the scripture is “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; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.” If we look to Christ, and do all that he asks of us, then we will be filled with light and be able to do anything. There are many things that I could do to have my “eye be single to [his] glory.” I have been trying to get better at not just reading my scriptures, but really studying them. As I read, I try and find the things that I am supposed to be doing, the things that Christ wants me to do. If I keep studying, and working to be what Christ wants me to be, then I will “comprehendeth all things.”

Parables

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

A Parable is a story used to illustrate a principle or moral in a way that everyone can understand as long as they are ready.

 

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.

  

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

                The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven bread

   ~Why does the Church send out so many missionaries?

                The parable of the treasure and the pearl of great price because the gospel is worth more than anything on earth, and we want to share it with everyone.

   ~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 parable of the mustard seed and the leaven because it grew from something small into something very large.

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

Parables of the treasure and the pearl of great price

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

The parable of the tares

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?

        I want to say I would be willing to give up my life. I don’t know if I would be able to make that decision in a situation where I have to choose between my life and the gospel. I have given up time and energy 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).

        The net represents the Kingdom of Heaven. I think that being gathered into the net is like dying and going to the spirit world. Everyone goes there. The gathering of the good and casting the bad away is the final judgment, where the righteous are separated from the wicked. 

Miracles of Christ

New post! As I have said before, please feel free to comment! 

There are many examples in the scriptures of miracles performed by Christ. Christ healed the sick, the weary and the poor, both mentally and physically. All of the miracles included people displaying a huge amount of faith. Here is a list of just a few of the miracles that He performed and the faithful people included:

1.     








Matthew 8:1-4

Jesus heals a leper

The leper shows great faith in coming to Jesus Christ to be healed.

2.      Matthew 8:5-13

Jesus heals a man with Palsy

A centurion, the master of the sick man, displayed his faith by asking Christ to heal his servant.

3.      Matthew 8:14-15

Christ heals Peter’s Mother-in-law

Peter’s Mother-in-law stands up and “ministers unto them”.

4.      Matthew 8:16

Christ heals many people that were “possessed with devils.”

The people brought Christ to the ill, displaying faith that Christ would heal them.

5.      Matthew 8:23-27

Christ quells a tempest

His disciples show faith, although small, by asking Christ to save them.

6.      Matthew 8:28-34

Christ casts devils out of men and into swine

7.      Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34

Christ heals a sick woman

The woman shows immense faith by believing that if she touches Christ’s clothes, she will be healed.

8.      Matthew 9: 27-31

Christ makes blind men see

The men had great faith and said so when Christ asked.

9.      Mark 2:1-12

Christ heals a man with palsy and forgives him of his sins.

Many people brought Christ to the man with faith that he would heal him.

I love reading about the different miracles that Christ performed. Because I know about all the miracles that Christ performed, and all the different people he healed, I know that Christ can help me when I need it. I need to have faith that Heavenly Father can help me. I know that he can because of all that he has done for His children. If it is his will, than he will help me as long as I have faith. 

We Must Be Born Again

Okay, another post. This one, again, is for my religion class. Please feel free to comment! 

Choice 9: John 3. We Must Be Born Again

The Savior declared that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). Review John 3:1–8; Mosiah 5:7. Then respond in writing to the following questions and instructions:

•What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

            I think that the difference between “seeing” the Kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God is the same thing as having a goal in sight and actually achieving that goal. You can know what you need to do to enter the kingdom of God without ever actually entering. You have to see it to enter it, but not vice versa.

• What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?

            Christ taught him that he must be baptized before he enters the kingdom of God.

• What does it mean to be “born of water”?

            Being born of water is different than being born of the Spirit. To be born of water is being baptized, when you make 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.

            In Moses 6:59, it says, “That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death… even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven…” Sin is like death. When we are baptized we are cleansed of our sins and made new, with no sin, like a child.

            In Romans 6:4, it says, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death…” Christ was raised from the dead, and baptism is a symbol of that. We go into the water, as if being buried, and then we come out of the water, as if rising from the dead.

•What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit”?

            Being born of the Spirit is being confirmed, when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison?

I think this is talking about the Spirit coming in the form of a dove. The spirit came, not as a dove, but in the sign of a dove... the dove is a symbole created before this earth was. The devil cannot take the shape of a dove. 

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.

Our Heavenly Father loves all of His children. To show is love to us, he has given us “his only begotten son” that we could be saved. He threw us a lifeline, and we have to grab on. In John 3:35, it says, “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.” The purpose of the Savior is to be our lifeline. If we come to accept the son, we will have everlasting life. 

The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Finally! A new post! I am taking a class for summer semester and one of the things we can do is share what we learned! What better way than to do this on my blog! 

Okay, I am going to talk about the Baptism of Jesus Christ (as made obvious by the title of this post). I will ask a question and answer it to the best of my abilities. If you think you might have a better answer, or something to add, feel free to comment! 

Why was John hesitant to baptize Jesus?

In Matt 3, John says, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and thou comest thou to me?" He does not feel worthy to baptize Christ because Christ is perfect and John is not. He feels that he, himself, should be the one getting baptized.

What is taught here about the Holy Ghost?

In the Institute Manual Commentary on Matthew, it says, "The sign of the dove was instituted before the creation of the world, a witness for the Holy Ghost, and the devil cannot come in the sign of a dove. The Holy Ghost is a personage, and is in the form of a personage. It does not confine itself to the form of the dove, but in sign of the dove. The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove; but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove is an emblem or token of truth and innocence." (Sorry, that was quite long). The Holy Ghost cannot take the form other than a personage.

Jesus Christ said He must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness." List three reasons why Jesus Christ was baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6-11). 

1. He needed to set an example. Christ is the ultimate example and our goal in this life is to try to be as Christ-like as possible. If he did not get baptized, then we would be less inclined to be baptized. 

2. It was part of "the rules". To be part of the Church, you must first be baptized. What kind of leader would not follow His own rules? 

3. He needed to show the world that he "...humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments" (2 Nephi 31:7).

What evidence is found in Matthew 3:16-17 that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate personages in the Godhead?

The scriptures tell us that the "Spirit of God [descended] like a dove" (Matt 3:16). Then Heavenly Father said "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased..." All of the members of the Godhead are all doing different things, which they wouldn't be able to if they were all one person.

Well, there you go! Enjoy! Make sure to comment if you have any thoughts!