The Impact of Example-1 Corinthians 4:2, 9–17; 8:9–13

What is required of the servants of the Lord? 

"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2) As servants of the Lord, we are required to be faithful and trustworthy (from the footnotes). It’s very simple really, our purpose for being here is- putting our faith in the Jesus Christ, being faithful and trustworthy, living by His example, and serving others. 

Who is specifically selected to be examples? How does being a good example apply to more than this group?

Paul said “I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world.." (1 Corinthians 4:9–17)  

Although Paul was speaking of the apostles and prophets, I think that being an example pertains to all who have faith in Jesus Christ who serve others in His name. To share the words of Elder Jeffrey Holland, “Beyond my words and teachings and spoken witness, my life must be a part of that testimony of Jesus. My very being should reflect the divinity of this work. I could not bear it if anything I might ever say or do would in any way diminish your faith in Christ, your love for this church, or the esteem in which you hold the holy apostleship.”(“Miracles of the Restoration,” Gen Conf, Oct 1994).  

Why is it not enough just to know what is right?

"Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again…”  (Alma 39:11) We are given commandments to live by and are taught right from wrong, but if we do not live by what we know is right, we will fall to temptation, and be led astray. Also, it is our responsibility to teach our children and to teach others who may not have someone to show them the way. "Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people” (Alma 39:12) 

What additional power comes to those who live what they know? 

"And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record—“ (3 Nephi 8:1) 

As we read the scriptures and the records that have been passed down from the prophets, we trust in the power of their words because they lived what they knew. They were not just preaching, they believed in Jesus Christ and in His Gospel, and lived their lives as an example for others. By living what we know, we have the power to share the knowledge we’ve gained with future generations. They will see the light of Christ in us and will have believe the words we share with them, because they see us living them. If, however, we do not teach our children and future generations, and share this knowledge with them, we fail them, ourselves, and our Savior. We have a job to do; we have knowledge to share; we are to be examples to others; and with that comes the power of serving others and the blessings that follow.

Proper Authority and Ministering to the People- Acts 19-20

What were some of the Priesthood ordinances performed by Paul in Acts 19 & 20?

• Baptizing by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:3-4)
• Bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:6)
• Performing the miracles of healing and exorcism (Acts19:12)
• Blessing and partaking of the Sacrament (Acts 20:7)
• Bringing life unto the dead (Acts 20:10)

What did Paul do for the Corinthian saints because it hadn’t been done right the first time?

When Paul came to Ephesus, he found that the people had been baptized by John, but that it was a “baptism of repentance,” and John had told them “that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” Upon hearing this, Paul baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:3-4)

How does this help answer the question many nonmembers have about the need of being baptized when they have already been baptized?

When I was an infant, I was baptized in the Catholic Church. It is believed that all were born with original sin, so they must be baptized to be able to enter the kingdom of God. It is also believed that baptizing someone twice is not necessary as long as the person was baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (or in the trinitarian formula). However, this baptism wasn’t by full immersion. (D&C 20:73–74)

Because of this, I was confused, somewhat, when I was investigating the Church. I had many conversations with my husband (who is my personal missionary), and the other missionaries who were teaching me. We read many scriptures together, and there was much praying. Finally, with guidance from the Spirit, the answers came to me, and I was baptized. I understood that this sacred covenant needed to be performed as Jesus Christ had instructed, by immersion, and that it must be done by one with priesthood authority.  

In what way did Paul bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost?

Paul bestowed the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (Acts 19:6)

On what day of the week did the saints meet to break bread? 

The saints would meet to break bread on the first day of the week (known as the Sabbath, or the Lord’s Day).

What evidence is there in John 20:1, 19 for why the Sabbath day was changed?

The Sabbath was changed from the last day of the week to the first in honor of the works of God: the Creation, the liberation of Israel and the Resurrection of our Savior (BD-Sabbath)

Paul's Second Mission- Acts 16; 18

During Paul's second missionary journey, he and his companion, Silas, traversed through many cities including Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth, Thessalonica and Macedonia.  The Holy Spirit was a close companion during their travels.

How did the Holy Spirit help Paul and his companions during their journey?

As we read Acts 16:6-10, we can see how the Holy Spirit guided and protected Paul and his companion. They were given warnings, and received visions that helped direct them in their mission. Though their faith, they were able to heed the warnings and follow the promptings so that they might the do the Lords works. 

• They were given warnings- “..forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia” (Acts 16:6)
• They followed promptings- “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” (Acts 16:9) 
• They acted on faith- "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision , Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee...” (Acts 18:9-10)

How has the Spirit directed my missionary efforts?

I believe that we are all full-time missionaries, and reading these accounts of Paul’s missions brings to mind a personal experience I had recently. One afternoon, I was returning to my car after running some errands. As I opened the door, I was approached by a woman, who immediately started saying “You don’t have to speak with me if you don’t want to,” and "I understand if you don’t want to look me in the eye- others haven't.” As she spoke, I had a warm feeling move through my body and I knew the Spirit was prompting me to see what she needed. I greeted her and could see the gratitude that someone had finally spoken to her. She explained that she and her husband were going through some rough times, and that she’d been trying to get someone to help her buy some groceries. 

There wasn’t a grocery nearby but there were several restaurants, so she asked if I’d buy her something to eat. We decided on one, and she told me she would meet me there, as I was putting some things in my car. While I drove over, I called my husband, who was expecting me, and explained the situation and the feeling I’d had that I should help her. We both knew that I was being directed by the Spirit. 

She ordered something for herself and something to take back to her husband. I waited with her as her food was being prepared. While we sat together, we talked about her situation and what had brought them to their current situation. I left her with a hug and a prayer that all would be well. 

Each day, I prayer to be aware of promptings such as these; to know what the Lord wants me to do; to know how I can serve Him today.  By accepting these promptings and acting on them, I am hopeful that I will become even more aware and that others will see the light of Christ in me.

How did Paul turn his experiences into missionary opportunities?

Paul was a very observant and faithful servant. He never forgot why he was here and the service he was asked to do. He had one goal in mind, and that was to live by the commandments and covenants he’d made and to bring every soul he could to Jesus Christ. 

What can I learn from Paul’s missionary experiences? 

I can learn from Paul that we are going to go through trials, and that life isn’t always going to be easy, but if we take everything as it comes and put our faith in God, we will endure. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us, and He will never leave us alone, as long as we are worthy.

How is the jailer an example of a true convert?

He cried out to Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)  There came a crucial moment, the jailer believed and he felt the power of the Spirit and he knew he must change his ways and come unto the Lord.

How does Mosiah 4:9–10 expand your understanding of Acts 17:30–31?

Since the day I was baptized, just over two years, along with the covenants I made, I have made a commitment to myself that I would strive to live in a constant state of repentance. Our time here is limited and we never know when the day will come when our Heavenly Father will call us home.  On that day, I will be ready and worthy to stand before Him. 

In Acts 17:30-31, we are reminded of the commandment of repentance and the importance, come judgement day. We must not procrastinate, for we know not when this day will come.

As we read Mosiah 4:9-10, we are reminded  to “Believe in God” and “...that we must repent of your sins and forsake them.” To me, these scriptures are very powerful and should be read often to remind us who God is and why we are here.

What can I do now to better prepare myself to share the gospel?

To better prepare myself, I must commit to live by the commandments that were given us, and to honor the covenants that I’ve made. I must love and serve Jesus Christ and my fellow brothers and sisters and our Savior loves us. If I do these things, everything will fall into place and others will see the light of Christ in me and want to know more.

The Day of Pentecost- Acts 2

What was the Day of Pentecost?

The day of Pentecost was a day in celebration of the harvest. It was held about fifty days after Passover (the time it took to gather the wheat), and was also known as "the feast of harvest" (Exodus 23:16), or the feast of weeks,” (Deut. 16:10). On this day, the Apostles were also gathered to choose a new apostle. As the Jews celebrated, giving thanks to God; and the apostles were meeting, “...suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2-4) Through the power of the Holy Ghost, the Apostles were able to share the Gospel and speak of the resurrection of Jesus Christ to all, and all could understand. (Acts 2:6)

On this day of Pentecost, what did Peter teach?

He taught of prophecy, of revelation...

 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:17-21)

He taught of the Plan of Salvation, of the Crucifixion, of the Atonement…

 “… Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” (Acts 2:22-24)

How did Peter fulfill his role as a special witness of Jesus Christ?

He taught of the Resurrection of the Savior and testified that Jesus was the Christ

Speaking of David, Peter said, "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.

Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Therefore being by the bright hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:29-36)

What gifts of the Spirit were made manifest on the day of Pentecost?

• The gift of faith
• The gift of testimony
• The gift of speaking with tongues
• The gift of interpretation of tongues
• The gift of prophecy
• The gift of revelation

How did the people respond to what occurred on this day? 

As the people listened and understood what was being taught and shared with them, the power of the Holy Spirit was so strong, they cried, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Whereupon, Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38) 

On that day, about three thousand were baptized. (Acts 2:41)