That Ye May Have Fellowship with Us and with God-1 John 1-3

What was John’s desire for those he wrote to? (1 John 1:1-4)

John shared his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ so that we too might share in the fellowship of God. He wants us to love and strengthen one another; to befriend and serve each other; to offer companionship and compassion to our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that they might feel Christ’s love and know the truth of the gospel. "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4)

How we can come to know God better and have greater joy and fellowship with God:

• By being honest with ourselves and humbly repenting so that we might be forgiven and cleansed of our sins (1 John 1:8–10)
• By keeping the commandments and living righteously according to the doctrine and principles He has given us (1 John 2:3–6)
• By loving one another; not only in words, but in action and in good deeds. And also, being able to forgive  (1 John 2:9–11; 3:11–19)
• By doing the will of our Heavenly Father and keeping our eternal goals always in the forefront of our minds (1 John 2:15–17)
• By remembering the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ and by never forgetting who we are and why we’re here (1 John 2:20–21, 27)
• By trying each day to be like our Savior. We will make mistakes along the way, but through the atonement, we have the opportunity to continue to get better. (1 John 3:4–6)

 How can I better implement these principles in your life to have greater joy and fellowship with God?

Applying all of the principles I’ve noted, in my life, will help me have greater joy and fellowship with God. If I had to choose one, I would probably choose the last, because all the others result in my doing what I can to become more like my Savior: repenting, obeying the commandments, loving one another, forgiving, doing thy Father’s will, remembering the truths and enduring to the end. With greater joy and fellowship with God comes greater joy and fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

A "Peculiar People"- 1 Peter 1-5

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9)

What Is the Meaning of the Phrase ‘a Peculiar People’? and What Is a Royal Priesthood? 

Chosen Generation- We are living in very troubled times and we know that the Lord is hastening His work. We also know that we are blessed and a chosen generation of “peculiar people” who "are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Chosen Generation”, General Conference, 1992) 

If you haven’t heard or read this talk by President Hinckley, please follow this link, (“A Chosen Generation”). I was truly touch by his words about us, the “chosen generation.”

Royal Priesthood- The Royal priesthood is the Priesthood of God on Earth. From the institute manual, we read, “Whenever the Lord has a people on earth he offers to make them a nation of kings and priests—not a congregation of lay members with a priest or a minister at the head—but a whole Church in which every man is his own minister, in which every man stands as a king in his own right, reigning over his own family-kingdom. The priesthood which makes a man a king and a priest is thus a royal priesthood.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:294.) ("The Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles"p 417)

Holy Nation- To me, Holy Nation would encompass the people of Christ, no matter where might be.

Peculiar People- When Peter uses the term “a peculiar people,” he is speaking of the chosen people; those who have embraced the gospel; the new Israel; the saints. 

It’s interesting if we look at the definition of the word, peculiar, according to the King James translation-The word peculiar comes from the Latin word peculium- meaning “private property,” and the Hebrew word, segullah- meaning "special possession or property.” ("The Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles"p 416) So, by these definitions, Peter’s use of “a peculiar people" was referring to the saints or those who are the "special possession" or "property” of God. Though, by today’s standards, some may view us to be “odd” or “peculiar” by modern definition because of our values, I’m okay with that. 

What price was paid to help us become God’s “peculiar people?” Our Savior, Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so that we might be able to repent and return to live with our Father in His heavenly kingdom for all eternity. This, we can never fully repay, however, we must try each and every day, in all that we do. (D&C 18:10–11)

How can we remain God’s peculiar people?

• By keeping our minds and bodies clean, so that we will receive the grace of the Lord (1 Peter 1:13)
• By loving and treating others with kindness, so that we might become closer to our Savior (1 Peter 1:15-16) 
• By having faith in God and humbly repenting, so that we might be “born again” and receive everlasting life (1 Peter 1:23)
• By embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ and staying true to our beliefs, so that we will have the Holy Spirit with us to guide us always, as one of the chosen generation (1 Peter 2:2-4)
• By serving others though the priesthood, being charitable, and by magnifying our callings, so that we might always be there for those in need (1 Peter 2:5)
• By living humbly and with a contrite heart, so that we will be ready for that day when we are called home (1 Peter 5:6)

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared: “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” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). 

Below are three principles that relate to the statement above:

As husband and wife, if we our lives according to the gospel, we will be receive the gift of everlasting life together with our Father in His kingdom (1 Peter 3:7)

As husband and wife, if we are as one, show compassion for one another, and love one another we will be blessed (1 Peter 3:8-9)

As husband and wife, if we are righteous and true to each other and to our Savior, He will hear our prayers and provide for us (1 Peter 3:12)

Works of Righteousness- Hebrews 13

Paul concluded his epistle to the Hebrews with some brief teachings and statements of counsel. 

How should we treat strangers and those “in bonds”?  In Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews, he taught that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and should love one another (Hebrews 13:1). We should show compassion and charity to all, no matter if they be strangers, “in bonds,” or our closest friends (Hebrews 13:2). We are all one in Christ. 

How is marriage looked upon? Paul taught that marriage is “honorable" (Hebrews 13:4) and that we should look at marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and woman and not something to be taken lightly. When two are married, they become one (Matt 19:5) and should faithfully love one another with all their hearts. (D&C 42:22)

What warnings are given about covetousness?  Paul advises the Hebrews to be content with what they have and to not covet that of their neighbor (Hebrews 13:5). He comforts them that the Lord will always provide for and will always be with those who live by the commandments and are worthy.

What is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”? God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We have seen throughout history how man and societies are constantly changing. One constant that we can always rely on is the gospel of Jesus Christ. "God, who is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (2 Nephi 29:9), continues to reveal scripture in modern times as He did in ancient times. Latter-day prophets counsel people everywhere to study the scriptures daily, including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.” (Scriptures)  So, when we find ourselves in need of release of this whirlwind of a world we live in, we can turn to the scriptures; to our constant; to our Lord.

How are we sanctified? We are sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Be cause of the atoning  sacrifice that our Savior made for us, if we are worthy and true to our covenants, we can repent and be forgiven of our sins, so that we might return to live with Him again one day. There is a scripture in the Book of Moroni I’d like to share, “And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot” (Moro. 10:33; emphasis added).

How do we respond to those who rule over us? Paul instructs, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). To me, this would mean our Prophets and the leaders of the Church who speak for our Savior. Jesus Christ has given them the authority and guidance to lead us and we must have faith that they will keep us on the righteous path to our eternal destination.

Who did Paul ask the people to pray for? "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly” (Hebrews 13:18). Paul is asking the Hebrews to pray for him and the other apostles and those who are looking out for them that they might be good leaders and keep them on the path of righteousness. This touched me because Paul was showing humility by asking for strength and support from his brothers and sisters. 

Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek- Hebrews 5-7

How does someone become a priesthood leader? A man is called by God to the priesthood (Hebrews 5:4). By the laying on of hands, he is ordained or set apart by an authorized leader of the Church (Numbers 27:18, 23; D&C 42:11)

How do we know who has authority in the Church today? Those who are called must be made known to and are presented to the members of the Church for a sustaining vote prior to being ordained or set apart by those in authority. This process keeps members informed of who has been called to lead and teach within the Church, and prevents those without authority from taking on roles in which they have not been called.  (D&C 26:2)

“Does the Phrase ‘Though He Were a Son’ Apply to Melchizedek, to Christ, or to Both?” “[Hebrews 5:7-8] applies to both Melchizedek and to Christ, because Melchizedek was a prototype of Christ and that prophet’s ministry typified and foreshadowed that of our Lord in the same sense that the ministry of Moses did.” (“The Life and Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles," p 384)

Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest? 

• What are some of the miracles Melchizedek performed?  (JST, Genesis 14:25-40)
• “Stopped the mouths of lions” 
• “Quenched the violence of fire”
• “Obtained peace in Salem"
• What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?
• "And he lifted up his voice, and he blessed Abram"
• Why do we call the greater priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood? 
• We call the higher priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood because Melchizedek was the first, chosen by God, to hold this priesthood. 

What important doctrinal correction did Joseph Smith make in Hebrews 6:1? Joseph Smith added the word “not” to this verse, "Therefore [not] leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God"

Why is it important that a person not leave behind faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost? This would put them in a state of apostasy. If we abandon our faith, and ignore the commandments and covenants we’ve made, we will lose the gift of the Holy Ghost and become apostate.

“What Must People Do in Order to ‘Crucify To Themselves the Son of God Afresh, and Put Him to an Open Shame’?” How serious is the sin described in Hebrews 6:4-6? To become a son of perdition, one must know Christ, receive the Holy Ghost, and then willingly deny all knowledge or rebel against God. After knowing of Christ, the plan of salvation and the truths of the gospel and sinning against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance, and the eventual punishment is outer darkness.  (Matthew 12:31)

What do we know about the greatness of Melchizedek? Melchizedek was king of Salem and a high priest blessed the prophet Abraham. He was known as the king of righteousness, or king of peace. He was such a great man that even Abraham gave tithe to him.  (Hebrews 7:1-6)

In what ways that Melchizedek is similar to or a prototype of the Savior? He was, "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually” (Hebrews 7:3)

What did Paul teach about the priesthood and about Jesus Christ? The priesthood is unchangeable and Christ was sent to save all by making intercession (Hebrews 7:15-28)

Solutions to Life’s Challenges, as Found in the Scriptures- Philippians 1-4

How did Paul counsel the Philippians in resolving these common challenges? 

People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week- We all have a specific part to play in our Fathers' Plan. And, we all have supporting roles, made up of callings and tasks that allow us to humbly serve the Lord and fulfill these callings. Sometimes, our callings and tasks may seem daunting when we look at our calendars and our other responsibilities, (at least they can for me), and I think this is why I might “murmur” sometimes. Paul’s advice in Philippians gives me the opportunity to step back and take that breath I so often need, which keeps me from arguing and complaining:

• He taught that we should love and show compassion for one another; (Philippians 2:1)
• he taught that we should respect one another for we are of one mind, of one Spirit; (Philippians 2:2)
• he taught that we should not have disputations between one another; (Philippians 2: 3)
• and, he taught that we should “shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:15)

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- It’s funny how our children don’t want to take our advice on some of the things we’ve done, and insist on making the same silly mistakes, but would think that our testimony is sufficient for them. I often think, (and I know my husband does too), that I would love for our children to avoid some of the trials and pains of life, by living by our experiences. But, I also know that they must “work out their own salvation.” (Philippians 2:12) Believing in Jesus Christ is not enough. Growing our testimony and working out our own salvation is a lifelong commitment and we cannot sit idly by and expect it to happen on its’ own or for someone to do it for us. We must actively serve Him and continue to grow and learn. 

I was raised Catholic, and when I was a little girl, I remember my Granddad going to Mass on Christmas Eve and on Easter Sunday. That was it. So, I thought that when I got older, I would be able to go to church a couple of times a year and I’d be good. But it doesn’t work that way, does it? When I was eighteen, I stopped going to church. I believed in God and Jesus Christ and had my faith, but didn’t feel I needed to go to church. I also felt that something was missing in my life. Fast forward to today…I am now a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and my husband and I are very active in our Ward. I read the scriptures daily, and I can feel the Spirit in my life, leading me, (leading us) to those whom He would have us serve. My life has changed and my testimony continues to grow as I work out my own salvation. 

This is something that we cannot do for someone else. 

An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does- 

It is very hard for anyone to feel that they are feeling abandoned by a family member, but it would be much harder to feel abandoned by the Lord. As a recent convert, I knew that there were many in my family who might do exactly that, but I did not let that hinder my decision. Of course, it may have been easier for me because of my age, or because my husband and his family are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who all supported me. On the other hand, I know that my sons, who are both return missionaries and my husband, all experienced investigators who fought this battle. This is a hard decision to make, but if we to the Spirit for guidance and the scriptures for answers, we will know what to do.  We have seen many: prophets, apostles, disciples, and missionaries, who have given up everything to follow the Savior, including Paul.

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” (Philippians 3:8)

How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? Each week, before I post to my blog, I pray that the Spirit will be with me to guide me and to speak through me so that I might teach and share my thoughts with others. If we listen to the words of the Spirit, we will learn what Christ wants us to know.

Live as Saints Should Live- Romans 12-16

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep : for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11)

What must we continue doing to work out our salvation?  To prepare for our salvation, we must commit to live by the commandments given us by our Savior, to live a life of righteousness. If we knowingly choose to disobey those commandments and fall away from our righteous ways, all that we have strived for is forgotten and we will not reach our eternal goal. (Ezekiel 3:20) 

We will be tested, tempted and tried throughout our mortal lives, and it will not always be easy to remain on the path of righteousness, but by staying true to the covenants we’ve made, and living by the commandments given us, we will endure and find ourselves in the presence of the Lord, when our work here is complete. We "shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C14:7)

Paul gave much counsel that leads to salvation. What did Paul teach in the following versus that would help lead to salvation? 

• Paul taught that we must give ourselves completely to the service of the Lord (Rom 12:1) 
• Paul taught that we do as our Father wills us (Rom 12:2) 
• Paul taught that we must love unconditionally and ward off evil (Rom 12:9) 
• Paul taught that we show charity to brothers and sisters (Rom 12:13) 
• Paul taught that we should be humble and not allow ourselves to become prideful (Rom 12:16) 
• Paul taught that if we show kindness to all, we will overcome evil (Rom 12:21) 
• Paul taught that we listen to our Prophets for they speak the words of the Father (Rom 13:1)
• Paul taught that we should not be afraid of those in authority, but to stay true to our convictions (Rom 13:3) 
• Paul taught that we must love one another (Rom 13:8) 
• Paul taught that we must obey and live by the commandments given us and to always “love thy neighbor as thyself" (Rom 13:9)

Points to Ponder: (Rom14:1-13; 15:1-3)

What cautions did Paul give about judging? Paul cautions that it is not for us to judge one another in any matter, subject, or action. We are servants of the Lord; we live for Him and we die for Him. (Romans 14:4-10) And, we will all stand before Him to be judged (Romans 14:12)

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Romans 14:13)

People may have different opinions and practices, but what is most important to remember? The most important to remember is to love and teach one another. We all have agency and we all have right to have our own views. Having different opinions and practices gives us opportunity to learn from and to teach one another. (Rom 15:1-2)

What additional insight comes from reading D&C 38:25-27? We are all equal in the Lord’s eyes. It matters not what we are wearing, or what car we are driving. What matters is that we are one in Christ. 

"I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27)

What term does Paul frequently use to refer to members of the Church in his day? (Rom15:25-26, 31; 16:2, 15) Paul referred to those he taught as “the saints,” just as we are today. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I found this comforting and edifying.*

*Personal note: As I’ve been studying and reading the scriptures of the New Testament  I am becoming more and more enlightened every week and my testimony grows stronger as my eyes are opened to the similarities between the practices from ancient times and those of today. As a child, I remember various “readings” shared during Catholic Mass, but I never had any deeper insight or scripture study. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more of the early teachings of our Saviors' Church.

Baptism- Romans 6

What must be done with sin before baptism can occur? 

Before we can be baptized unto Christ, we must humble ourselves and repent of our sins. In a talk given to missionaries at the Provo MTC in June 2000, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shares“... true repentance, repentance which shows our desire to be clean and renewed and whole, repentance that allows us to lay claim to the full blessings of the Atonement. Then comes baptism for the remission of sins." (Missionary Work and the Atonement)

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

“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)

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death , we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Romans 6:5)

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

When we are fully immersed during baptism, we are symbolizing the death of our past life and leaving the sins behind. As we come out of the water, we are born again into a new spiritual life in devoted to serving our Lord. Baptism also symbolizes the death and resurrection of our Savior. (See Romans 6:3–6) ”Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water“ (D&C 20:73–74)

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

In answering this question, two scriptures stand out, "For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord."(Romans 6:10-11) As we leave our past lives and sins behind and emerge from the waters from baptism as pure disciples of Christ, we must dedicate our mortal and eternal lives to serving our Savior and Father. To me, as I partake of the Sacrament each week, I renew my covenants so that I might carry that “newness of life” with me as I share His light with others.

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

During baptism, the part of us that is subservient to the natural man dies and we devote our lives to serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Mosiah 3:19)

How do we know who we serve and what is the true source of freedom? (Romans 6:14–23) On November 10, 2012, when I emerged from the waters of baptism, having left my past behind and knowing that my sins were forgiven through the Atonement, I felt much lighter and free from the bondage of mortal man. I hadn’t realized how much my past had been holding me back from my true purpose for being here. I know that there were things I needed to do to bring me to where I am today and choices I needed to make for God’s plan to bring my husband (my personal missionary) into my life. As I go forth, with my husband by my side, and we serve the Lord, we know where we are going and have our eternal goal in sight. "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness , and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:22-23)